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THE 

NEW SYSTEM 

OF 

EDUCATING HORSES 

INCLUDING 

mSTRTJCTIONS ON FEEDING, 

WATERING, STABLINCx, SHOEING, ETC. 

WITH 

PEICTICAL TREATMENT FOR DISEASES. 
ILLUSTRATED, 

INCLUDING A 

LARGE NUMBER OF VALUABLE RECIPES 



NOT BEFORE PUBLISHED. • IX. 

BY D. MAGNER. ',V"v 



Author of the New System. 



r-o: 



TENTH EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. 



^aO 



BUFFALO: 
WAKEEN, JOHNSON & CO., PRINTEES. 

1872. 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1871, 

By D. MAGNEE, 

in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



iK^ Inquiries for this book, or concerning otlicr business, addressed to Prof 
D. Magner, Buflalo, N. Y., will receive prompt attention. 



PREFACE 



Since publishing my first book in 1864, comprising only 64 pages, I 
have made many important improvements, until it is now conceded that 
my system of Educating Horses, is the simplest and most practical in 
the world. To harmonize with my work, I have found it necessary to 
repeatedly revise and enlarge it, making it comprise many times the 
r. mount of matter contained in the first. 

My principles of subduing vicious horses constitute an entirely new 
feature of my success, wholly superseding the throwing-down principle, 
found to be so valuable by myself and others. 

Included also will be found the most reliable and practical treatment 
for the care and cure of sick and lame horses, &c. I have expended 
over ^5,000 in the study of Veterinary Practice alone. 

My unquestioned experience and success, in addition to the value of 
my equipments, comprising the most beautiful and valuable troupe of 
Educated Horses in the world, is a guarantee of qualification and res- 
ponsibility that entitles me to a confidence that cannot be accorded to 
those who, without reputation or experience, may engage in the busi- 
ness from motives of policy. 

I introduce simple common sense principles that make the successful 
control of even the wildest and most vicious horses, not only possible, 
but easy for any one of ordinary strength and intelligence to do, which 
are as humane as they are effective and valuable. 

D. MAGNER. 



PROF. MAGNER'S EDUCATED HORSES. 



The portraits of my horses and ponies, on the opposite 
page, all stallions, which- was cut from a painting of them, 
made from life, by one of the most eminent artists in the 
country, and is a perfect representation of them, will give a 
better idea of their beauty and value than any worded des- 
cription I could give. They are conceded by all who have 
witnessed their performances, to be the finest, most beauti- 
ful, best educated, and most valuable troupe of horses ever 
owned, for the purpose of giving free exhibitions by which 
to amuse and interest horse men and others in my efforts; 
and never before, perhaps, was there so fine and valuable 
an equipment used in illustrating and teaching the science 
of educating horses. 

These horses are not only of the most varied character, 
but their performances are unquestionably the most exci- 
ting and interesting ever exhibited in this country, showing 
all the peculiarities of driving v/ithout reins or bits, and 
show a sagacity and intelligence in the ring that is conceded 
to be most wonderful. 



>3?-5m-co. 



TuRCO, the farthest on the right, is a black stallion of 
Duroc-Morgan blood. He is nearly fourteen years old, of 
beautiful form. He was, v/hen a colt, remarkably vicious; 
at four years old, having resisted all efforts to break him, he 
was purchased by me of Esq. Cole, of Smithville, Jeffer- 
son county, N. Y., in June, 1861. He was trained by me 
in Smithville, and among the most interesting features of 
his training was that of driving to carriage without bridle 
or reins. The performances of this horse excited the great- 
est attention in all the principal towns and cities of the 
north and east. I trained several horses to drive with him, 
and he has been driven and exhibited, double and single, 
by me, through the principal towns of twenty-three states. 



6 PROF. MAGNER S EDUCATED HORSES. 

This ceasing to be a novelty, by the number of horses 
soon after so trained by others, who assuming the most ex- 
travagant pretensions, made it no better than a burlesque, I 
superseded it with other and more interesting features of 
performance under canvas, as now exhibited by me daily. 

This fine horse has shown some peculiar features of saga- 
city. He will not allow a stranger to loaf around him, will 
allow any one to approach, feed, water and clean him, but 
curiosity seekers who may show any timidity in going near 
him, are soon reminded that he is not to be trifled with, 
but is perfectly docile. 

GiFFORD, the black horse on the near side, is of Mor- 
gan blood, ten years old, and is one of the most beautifully 
modeled, as well as one of the finest performing horses in 
the country. Have owned and exhibited him for nearly 
five years, both north and south. Among his most remark- 
able feats is that of acting vicious or gentle at v/ill. He 
will play sick in the most natural and wonderful manner, 
even groaning from apparent intense pain. 

Next on the off side, to the left, is represented Blind 
Billy, which is acknowledged by all witnessing his per- 
formances, to be not only the finest modeled pony, but the 
most wonderful performing blind horse in the world. 
Billy is now nine years old, mahogany bay color, fourteen 
hands high, and weighs nearly 900 pounds. He is as above 
stated, totally blind, and has been so for four years. He 
does everything by word of command only, and not the 
least interesting peculiarity of his performance is the atten- 
tion with which he waits for and promptly obeys every 
command. He will run the ring, turning right or left, 
go lame, walk on his knees, kick on his knees, look for and 
find a handkerchief, jump clear of the ground and kick, 
walk on his hind feet around the ring, or turn right and 
left in circles while standing erect on his hind feet. He 
will sit down like a dog, turn right or left while sitting on 
his haunches. All this, and much more, he does in the 
promptest manner, at the word of command. He is 
acknowledged not only to excel all other horses, blind or 



PROF. MAGNER S EDUCATED HORSES. 7 

not, by the difficulty and variety of his performances, but 
surpasses as well all horses known, by his wonderful perform- 
ances of squealing and laughing, at the word of command. 
The sum of Seven Thousand Dollars has been offered and 
refused for this beautiful and wonderful animal. He is un- 
questionably, the rarest, finest, and most valuable perform- 
ing pony in this country, if not in the world; and the 
witnessing of his performances the most instructive and 
interesting novelties of the day. 




The best Trick Pony in the World. 

The nearest on the left is the Spotted Pony, Tommy. 
As his appearance shows, he is the smallest and most cun- 
ning of the group. He is eleven years old, weighs 720 
pounds, bright bay color with white spots, extending back 
on each side of his body, and is a perfect model in form. 
Tommy is the clown of the lot. He is in himself a whole 
show, and the amusement he excites by his unique per- 
formances is really side-splitting; it is not so much what he 



8 PROF. MAGNER'S educated HORSES. 

does as the way he acts out his performance that so 
intensely amuses. He is as apparently innocent and gentle 
as can be ; even allowing a child to go under, around, or 
over him. Should a rider even fall under his feet, he will 
either carefully step over him or stand still until the rider 
gets up; yet in an instant by the merest signal, his whole 
nature seems to be changed to the character of a vicious, 
dangerous stallion, with ears back, mouth open, eyes flash- 
ing fire, and every hair on his body on end, he will clear 
the ring of all intruders. At such a time there are but few 
of the most courageous who will dare to enter the ring, so 
apparently dangerous does he appear; yet as quickly at 
command will he assume his former gentle appearance, and 
play with any one or go around the ring for presents. The 
sagacity he exhibits even in this is almost wonderful, for 
if given no attention he will pass by without apparently 
noticing a person, going directly to those of the sunniest 
nature by whom he delights being caressed, always showing 
preference for well dressed and good looking ladies, for 
whom he seems to have a great fondness, acknowledging a 
caress or a present with the politeness of a courtier, by 
a bow of the head. 

It is, however, in his great contests with riders that he 
shows the most wonderful sagacity and power, throwing or 
not a little boy easily and quietly as commanded, but send- 
ing the smartest and best riders flying at will from his back. 
It is in his great performance of ''^ throwing the boys'' that 
he brings down the house with almost insane applause. I 
have seen at such times the most habitually grave men and 
women laugh and scream with delight, until the tears 
coursed down their cheeks, and in many instances of per- 
sons lying down upon the seats, or rolling upon the 
ground, yielding in their paroxysm of excitement to the 
uncontrollable impulses which seized them. When the elo- 
quent preacher and senator from Ohio, Mr. Garfield, who, 
with his friends and faculties of the Hiram College, 
attended one of my exhibitions in that place; so great was 
his pleasure while witnessing this great performance of 
Tommy's, that he rolled, clapped his hands, and shouted 
with delight. 

The following from the Cleveland Leader, in speaking of 
Tommy's performance during one of my exhibitions in that 



PROF. MAGNER S EDUCATED HORSES. 9 

city, will better illustrate the excitement and interest which 
his performance excites : 

''But the most laughable scene took place when the spot- 
ted wild horse, Tommy, was introduced. He presented 
every appearance of a wild steed, and ran restively about 
with distended nostrils and fiery eye, his mane bristling 
like the quills of a fretful porcupine, but at the approach of 
his master he became as tame as a lamb. Every one was 
invited to try their equestrian skill on Tommy, and all who 
tried were thrown to the ground, tenderly, but in the 
twinkling of an eye. Mr. Magner offered ^500 to any one" 
who would ride Tommy one minute. Several tried, but 




Tommy, in his famous act of tlirowing the Boys. 

none were rewarded with success. One ambitious gentle- 
man threw off hat, coat and vest, and said he ' would be 
d — d if he didn't ride him.' Tommy was too much for 
him. He was thrown several times, and finally concluded 
that he had better let Tommy have his own way." 

Thus it is seen I not only give the most interesting exhi- 
bitions free under canvas, but being the author of my own 
work, and handling and controlling the wildest and most 
vicious horses daily in illustrating my system, and devoting 
too, my whole attention to this end, that I am inaugurating 
an era of interest in the study and kind treatment of the 
horse, which is in the extreme, commendable and valuable. 



1* 



THE NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. 



There are so many who claim precedence as authors of 
the New System, etc., and that, too, in increased propor- 
tion to the ignorance and inexperience of those engaging 
in the business as a matter of speculation, that a few words 
of explanation, in relation to the part I have taken and of 
my success in this field, becomes necessary as a matter of 
duty and justice to myself and public. 

I have now been before the public over eleven years, 
constantly employed in imparting a knowledge of such 
principles of educating and managing horses as I found 
to be most simple and practical. I claimed and adver- 
tised a NEW SYSTEM from the start. In the winter of 
1863-4 I wrote and published in Utica, N. Y., at the 
Herald office, an exposition of my treatment called "The 
New System," copyrighting the same under that title. 

Sometime afterwards I sold to Mr. A. H. Rockwell, for 
three hundred dollars, the right to republish this work under 
his own name, a copy of the contract of sale of which I have 
still in my possession. 

Mr. R. very unjustly, in the revision of this book, implies 
having taught me, of having trained the horse Turco I then- 
owned, etc.; when the fact was, I was over a year on the 
road before I met or heard of him, I had trained and 
exhibited this horse nearly two years before he saw him. To 
Mr. Rockwell undoubtedly belongs the merit of giving pub- 
lic exhibitions of the feature of driving a horse in the street 
without reins with a whip. But Mr. Bunnell, of Wellsboro, 
Tioga county, Pa., emphatically claims that his wife trained 
this horse to be guided and controlled by motions of a whip, 
and repeatedly exhibited him at County Fairs before selling 
him, and before being purchased by Mr. R. This is not, 
however, any discredit to Mr. Rockv/ell, being too simple a 
feature of training to be regarded as much of an achieve- 
ment; and besides, he has proved himself a gentleman of 



NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 11 

too much skill and merit to have the admission now of this 
fact injure his standing or character. 

I also gave a gentleman named R. P. Hamilton, the 
privilege of republishing one of the earlier editions of my 
book, which he did under his own name, a copy of which 
edition I have in my possession. 

[I met and cultivated the acquaintance of Prof. Hamilton in Ohio, 
in the winter of 1 866, Between this gentleman and myself, there had 
during our acquaintance been maintained the warmest feelings of 
friendship, contributing to a more than ordinary interest in each other's 
success and welfare.] 

In March, 1868, I started a resident of Batavia, N. Y., 
named O. S. Pratt, in the business, selling him two trained 
horses, one of them a gray trick pony called Billy, and 
a fancy advertising wagon. At the same time I sold 
another gray trick pony, named Tommy, to a gentle- 
man named Graves, a resident of Lockport, N. Y. This 
pony was afterwards purchased of Mr. Graves by the said 
Pratt, and are the same he still uses in his business. 

Mr, Pratt, who makes some pretentions to character, I 
learn, advertises himself as author of the New System, etc. 
He certainly v/as not identified as a horse man before the 
above date, having kept a grocery in Batavia previous to 
the above time, which he sold for the express purpose of 
buying his outfit, as stated, and engaged in the business as 
a mere matter of speculation. 

I am known in the principal portions of twenty-three 
states, extending from Maine to Mississippi, including New 
Brunswick. I am the author of my own work, have 

TRAINED AND OWNED, AND DO OWN THE FINEST AND MOST 
VALUABLE StUD OF HORSES IN AMERICA. 

To illustrate and prove the interest I excited by my suc- 
cess in this field, years ago, I will insert here a few sam- 
ples of the many flattering notices I received from the 
people and press of that period : 

Prom the Utica Morning Herald, Jan. 23, 1863. 
Horse Training. — In the afternoon Mr. Magner gave a few persons 
an opportunity to witness his process of training horses, at the barn of 
Mr, Roberts, near the cemetery. Mr. R.'s stallion, Ethan Allen, which 
is known as the most vicious horse, in this part of the State, was taken 
in hand, and in 20 minutes, Mr. M. had him completely under control 
so that he could handle him precisely where and as he pleased, and 
mannge him without bridle or halter. Among other apparently very 



12 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. 

hazardous things, he passed beneath the horse between both fore and 
hind legs. An unbroken colt was also operated with, and was brought 
under complete subjection in considerably less time than the stallion. 
A committee of competent judges present, expressed great satisfaction 
with the result. Mr. Magner has a system of his own, which he con- 
fidently thinks to be superior to any other known. He guarantees that 
he will subdue any horse, however vicious, and break them of all such 
bad tricks as balkiness, kicking, biting and running away. He is 
quite a young man, has a good address, and seems to possess much 
more than ordinary intelligence. We think he is likely to become 
famous in his profession. Of course we would not be justified in giving 
the details of his system. 

The above mentioned horse had bit and struck Mr. Roberts six months 
before, so severely and so desperate was his fury, that it was with the 
greatest difficulty two men drove him off with rails, but not until Mr. 
Roberts had an arm lacerated and oroken, and was insensible from his 
injuries, from which he had not yet recovered. The horse ran loose in 
a building, being fed and watered through a window, and so vicious 
that he had not been taken out or handled, nor could his owner or any 
one go into his room with safety. Indeed I was entreated by the 
committee comprising Mr. Butterfield, (now Genl. Butterfield or his 
brother,) Mr. Golden, (Merchant,) Editor of Herald and others, not to 
go near him — that they would do all they could, to interest the public 
in my favor, if I would not. But the success above stated, will show 
with what ease and quickness I made him obedient to my will. He 
was used and driven afterwards perfectly gentle, by his owner. The 
Utica Herald, Mr. Roberts, or other gentlemen named, can be referred 
to, for proof of this statement. 



From the Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Me,, Feb., 1864. 

Mr. Magner, the author of this philosophy, and who proves himself 
to be one of the most expert and scientific horse tamers and trainers in 
the world, has, during the past week, delighted and astonished the 
good people of Augusta and vicinity by the admirable and perfectly 
successful demonstration of his system in subduing and controlling some 
of the most vicious and ungovernable specimens of the horse fraternity 
that could be found among us. The manifest and acknowledged im- 
portance of this art, and the desire of the public to understand and 
witness the results of its application, induced a crowded attendance of 
all classes on Mr. Magner's practical illustrations of his theory. All 
who attended came away fully convinced of, and perfectly satisfied with 
the correctness of the principles and workings of this new system. Even 
the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and the mem- 
bers of the Executive Council took a leisure hour, laid hy the affairs of 
State, forgot their parliamentary squabbles, and found both amusement 
and instruction in witnessing the skill and consummate tact with which 
Mr. Magner handled the hitherto incorrigible subjects brought forward 
tp test his new doctrine. Crowds of our most intelligent citizens were 
al^g jn attendance, and became decidedly and thorougly satisfied that 



NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 13 

Mr. Magner's system is all that he claims for it, and when applied, will 
be effectual in bringing the wildest and most stubborn horse into com- 
plete subjection and docility. A large class of pupils united in order 
to profit by Mr. Magner's instruction, and learn the best modes of 
applying his theory to practice, and as a matter of course, the hardest 
and most vicious horses that could be found in the neighborhood were 
brought in for him to subdue; all of which were completely tamed and 
brought into such a state of docility as to astonish those who saw it. 
So satisfactory and perfectly successful were his instructions and experi- 
ments to every one who attended, and so efficient and useful did his 
principles and modes of procedure prove themselves to be in training 
and subduing horses, that the officers of the Second Alaine Cavalry were 
influced to invite him to give a course of instruction to those of the 
regiment who could be spared from duty to attend. In this, too, he 
v/as perfectly successful, as in all other instances. The most dangerous 
of vicious horses are those frisky, nervous, touchy kickers, whose heels 
are always ready to greet you whenever you approach or attempt to 
harness them. One of this class was brought forward, of so desperate 
a character that her owner cautioned Mr. Magner that he would expose 
himself to danger and probable injuiy if he was too familiar with her. 
In a very short time he had her so effectually subdued and conquered 
that he could do anything he pleased with her — jump upon her back, 
slide off behind her heels, handle her feet, and place himself in any 
position he pleased around her without her offering the least opposition 
or showing the least disposition to bite or practice her old tricks. 

It may be thought that the practice of this mode would require great 
strength and size of body. On the contraiy, Mr. Magner is a young 
man hardly of medium size, and of a very modest demeanor. But he is 
compact of form and muscle, resolute, prompt and decided, though 
kind and patient in action — requisites more essential in dealing with 
the many crabbed and cross-grained brutes that are often brought for 
him to tame, than herculean strength or size of limb and body. He 
was strongly urged to stay longer in the city and repeat his course to 
another and larger class, but his prior engagements prevented a com- 
pliance with the request. 

In his tours through the country in the fulfillment of his mis- 
sion of good to so useful an animal, we commend him to the friendly 
attention of farmers and horsemxen, who will find his principles of great 
value, in this necessary art. We look upon this mode of horse training 
as an art wonderful for the sure and infallible results which follows its 
appliance. 

Maine Farmer, Feb. 24, 1864. 

His practice is guided and aided by common sense applications of 
most simple mechanical means and new principle of control, as will 
convince the most stubborn and willful horse that there is a power 
above him to which he is soon glad to submit. It is all done quietly, 
no whipping nor thrashing; no mauling, bawling nor swearing, as has 
too often heretofore been the custom in such cases. Herein is one of 
the great and invaluable improvements which Mr. Magner introduces 



14 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. , 

in the art of bringing the horse under complete control of man. We 
make the remarks for the purpose of calling the attention j of our 
farmers and owners of horses of Maine, to these new improvements of 
such vital importance to their interests. We have taken pains to give 
them a personal investigation. You will find Mr. Magner a modest, 
unassuming young man, and no humbug, and we cordially advise every 
one who can, to obtain his lectures. 



Portland (Me.) Transcript— 1864. 

Mr. Magner, the Horse Tamer and Trainer, has been in Portland 
during the past week, and has created a great stir among our horsemen. 
So great was the interest excited, that Mr. Magner form.ed a school, 
which was largely attended by those interested in such matters, includ- 
ing many of our best citizens who have fine horses, and seems to have 
been altogether satisfactory. Such success in so brief a period is quite 
unusual. His exhibitions have been very interesting and have satisfac- 
torily demonstrated his ability to bring the most unmanageable horses 
entirely under his control. An innocent colt, fresh from the countiy, 
was introduced, and in a few minutes acted the part of a well trained 
horse; then came a spirited mare, whose stubbornness was not so readily 
but no less surely overcome; an old stager, which had for years defied 
every farrier in the county, but after five minutes training stood quietly 
as a lamb while his feet were handled and hammered in true black- 
smith style; a splendid animal, whose principal fault seemed to be 
unusual fright at the sight of an umbrella, in a very short space of time 
stood unmoved as one of those articles was placed before him and 
moved about his body, and when at last it was held above and dropped 
upon his head, he appeared to regard it with far more of complacency 
than fear; a puller on the bit was beaten at his own game and yielded 
handsomely. Whatever the tricks and eccentricities of which the ani- 
mals brought forward were guilty, they found more than their match in 
the horse tamer, who did not in a single instance let a horse pass out of 
his hands till he could truthfully say, "I have you, sir." He was asked 
to test his skill still further on a vicious mule which was brought in and 
turned loose in the ring; he was indeed a villainous fellow, and not at 
all agreeable in his manners, refusing to be bridled or handled, and 
meeting every one who approached him with an undesirable display of 
his heels — but in less than fifteen minutes his whole demeanor was 
changed, and he remained perfectly quiet while he was again and again 
haltered, mounted on all sides, and handled from head to foot, and 
finally was led out perfectly submissive. The change was wonderful 
and called forth great applause. — These exhibitions are, as we learn, 
foreign to Mr. Magner's custom and general purpose, which is, not to 
exhibit feats in horsesmanship, but to make the people practically 
acquainted with his system, and thereby create increased interest in 
raising and managing horses. He is soon to start out into the towns 
of this State, and we hope farmers and horsemen will give him all the 
attention which his theory and his success merit. 



NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 15 

Mr. Magner is about thirty years of age, is rather below the ordinary 
height, has a stout, muscular body, a sprightly piercing eye, and speaks 
with a clear voice and convincing manner, and in deportment and ap- 
pearance is altogether a gentleman; and it is only just to say in his 
behalf, that in Portland, as well as in several towns which he has 
visited, he has won for himself and his method of managing horses 
great favor, and many are now carrying out successfuly the instructions 
which they have received from him. 



Portland ( Me.) Advertiser— 1864. 

Rarey Nowhere. — Mr. Magner, whose equestrian feats have excited 
the wonder of our citizens, has left the city in order to fulfill numerous 
engagements in the country. It is yery fortunate for him that this is 
not an age when men are executed for witchcraft. Had he lived in 
Salem in 1692, and exhibited, as he has here, his power over refractory 
horses, he would have been hung, as sure as fate, for a wizard. In- 
deed, we are not certain that he does not practice some sort of witchery 
in his management of horses. No one can form an idea of his won- 
derful power over them until he witnesses proof of it. To see a horse 
furious, stubborn, defiant, with a very devil in his eye, in a few 
moments, by some mysterious power, calmed down, rendered docile, 
patiently submissive, and allowing every liberty to be taken with him — 
in a word, the evil spirit which had possessed the animal, completely 
exorcised — you can hardly credit, although the marvelous transforma- 
tion takes place under your naked eye. A knowledge of Mr. Magner's 
theory of subduing the horse must be invaluable to all owners of the 
animal. The horse has been the gentleman's special study. He has 
made himself acquainted with all his characteristics. He has but to 
look upon the animal to discover his faults, and straightway, by a 
miracle, as it were, he corrects them. It seems almost too much to 
believe, and people will not believe it until they see for themselves 
proof of the gentleman's success. 

I WOULD MOST RESPECTFULLY REMIND, that whatever my 
success a few years ago, I have since then introduced new 
principles, and made improvements which enable me to 
produce results now in the education and reformation of 
horses, in many instances in a few minutes, which it would 
have been most difficult, if not wholly impossible for me to 
have done a year or two ago, the proper application of 
which will enable results in the reformation of vicious hor- 
ses, that is even now wonderful and almost beyond belief. 
I have, during the past summer and fall, taken horses in 
hand, in Ohio and Michigan, that had resisted all efforts of 
the best horsemen, who practiced the treatment of all oth- 
ers who have traveled in the business, as well as that I used 



16 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. 

years ago, and in every case controlled and drove them 
easily and safely in less than an hour. I have now a 
conception of this great and important science, which long 
experience and careful study only will enable, the value of 
which I prove by the successful results exhibited, and the 
high appreciation of my instructions by all giving me 
attention. 

I have devoted the best part of my life exclusively to the 
development of this science, besides expending a large 
amount of money in the study of veterinary practice, under 
one of the ablest Veterinary Surgeons in America, Dr. 
■Wm. Somerville, of Buffalo, N. Y., whose certificate will be 
found below ; thus insuring the undisputed reliability of 
my efforts and of making my work of great practical value 
for reference. 

From Dr. "Wm. Somerville, Proprietor of the Buffalo, N. Y„ 
Horse Inlirmary. 

*'This is to certify, that D. Magner, Esq., served un- 
der me nearly two years, during 1868 and 1869, as an 
apprentice to learn and be instructed in the Veterinary 
Profession. I consider him well qualified to treat success- 
fully all Diseases in Horses, and able to practice as a skill- 
ful and competent Veterinary Surgeon. 

WM. SOMERVILLE, 

Vef. Surgeon, Member of two Veterinary 
Colleges, and of 2^6 years practice. 
Buffalo Horse Infirmary, 
127 Erie St., Aug. i, 1869." 

No one desires more earnestly than I do, the success 
and encouragement of any one who may prove, even to a 
limited degree competent to teach reform in the treatment 
and care of horses. There is need enough of v/holesome 
practical effort in this direction, and after the prolonged 
and arduous struggle which I have maintained during the 
best part of my life, in this trying field of professional enter- 
prise, I feel more like retiring to the quietness and pleasure 
of private life than continuing in it longer. Hence I am 
above any feelings of envy. I have felt compelled, in 
this edition of my book, to make these explanations, but _ 



NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 17 

more for the satisfaction of those who have and may give 
me attention, than for the gratification of my feelings. 

The few following notices from a large number of a 
recent date, will show the appreciation of my system of 
treatment by the most critical horsemen in the country. 
From people too, who have given attention to all those who 
have traveled in the business, from Mr. Rarey, down to 
the present time, showing the great appreciation of my ef- 
forts over that of all others, proving that my principles 
of treatment are most effective and practical yet brought 
into use. 

From the MicJiigan Horse Breeders' Association of Jackson, 
Mich., May 6, 1871. 

We, the undersigned officers and members of the Michigan Horse 
Breeders' Association, and citizens of Jackson, have attended Prof. 
Magner's lectures on the education of horses while in this city, and 
endorse him to the people of the State as a reformer of great merit. 

His treatment reduces the education of horses to a definite and fixed 
science, ensuring not only the most humane, but the most wonderful 
results in the control of wild and vicious horses. We have witnessed 
the effect of his treatment in the control of a large number of vicious 
horses, and have no hesitation in saying his system is the best in the 
world. 

S. S. VAUGHN, President. 

J. A. ROEINSON, Secretary. 

GEO. SHERWOOD, Treasurer, 

DAN. B. HIBBERD, 

C. C. TURNER. 

Endorsed by the following eminent citizens of Jackson. 

A.' J^'pInTUNE, } P^°Pnetars of Hibbard House. 
M. KNAPP, Livery and Horse Dealer, 

B. J. JOHNSON, Member of City Council. 
CHAS. MESEROLL, City Marshal. 

W. L. SEATON, Postmaster and Member of City Council. 
ROBT. KNOWLES, County Clerk. 
JESSE HURD, Proprietor of Track. 
JOHN GOODYEAR, Livery and Sale Stable. 

C. C. POND, Broker, and 50 others. 



From the Jackson, Mich., Patriot. 

Prof. Magner gave his last exhibition and lecture in this city on 
Saturday afternoon last, and as usual, a large number were in attendance 



18 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. 

at the opening exhibition, and at least two hundred members of his 
class were present to listen to the closing lecture, and witness some of 
his wonderful feats of subduing and managing horses. At the close of 
the lecture, one of the members of the class offered the following reso- 
lution, which was received with applause, and adopted without a 
dissenting voice : 

Resolved, That we, the members of Prof. Magner's class, hereby ex- 
press to him our high appreciation of his instructions in his system for 
the reform and elevation of horses, which, in our estimation, is incom- 
parably superior to any system ever brought before the public. By this 
system, the management of the horse is reduced to a definite and exact 
science, and we desire most heailily to commend Prof. Magner to the 
confidence of the public, and to express to him personally our thanks 
for his patience, his thoroughness, and his gentlemanly bearing, while 
engaged in his profession in this city. 



From the Adrian 'Weekly Times, April 13, 1871. 

During the present week. Prof. Magner, the celebrated horse tamer 
and educator, has conducted his classes in this city. He has created a 
genuine ftirore among all interested in horses in this city, and his 
reputation has extended to a circuit of country, and persons have 
attended his classes from over twenty miles distant. He has succeeded 
in subduing and rendering perfectly tractable some horses who have 
resisted all previous efforts of horse-breakers and others to reduce them 
to submission, and his wonderful power over horses excites the most 
astonishment from those best posted in equine care and treatment, and 
the exhibitions of the trained stud of horses which he owns and carries 
with him, are superior in interest to the choicest features of the best 
circus traveling. In every place he has been, the professor has received 
the most emphatic and cordial endorsements. 



From the Toledo Blade. 

As a practitioner and teacher of the science and art of training 
horses, the professor is without a rival, and has won the confidence 
and admiration of the public wherever he has been. No one can 
understand the seemingly magical power which this man seems to pos- 
sess over the horse kingdom, until he witnesses one of his exhibitions, 
and we are free to say that a knowledge of Mr. Magner's theory of 
training horses will be invaluable to every owner of the animal. 
Wherever he goes, his lectures should be heard and his experiments 
seen. While in Toledo he had for his classes many of our best citi- 
zens, and all feel not only fully satisfied, but endorsed him, as will be 
seen, in the strongest manner. 

Happening into the tent one day, we saw the Professor training a 
noble, but desperately stubborn horse, owned by Mr. R. Mott. After 
operating with the animal but a brief time, his very nature seemed 



NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 19 

changed, and on being driven by his master, was kind and obedient as 
the best of horses. 

The readers of the Blade can rely upon the fact that the Professor is 
an upright, honorable gentleman, possessing all the wonderful skill he 
claims. 



From the Toledo Commercial. 

Monday, the last lesson of Prof. Magner to his class in Toledo, was 
given. His success here has been unprecedented, and his teachings 
unparalleled in their line. What the members of the class have learned 
could not be bought of them for ten times the sum paid by them for the 
instruction. He goes to Adrian, Michigan, from here, and we bespeak 
for him there a hearty welcome and the usual success attending his 
efforts. The professor is a man of his word, professing no more than 
he performs, and doing good wherever he goes. In his teachings he 
not only learns his scholars, but benefits the horses, by introducing a 
more humane and gentle course of treatment, and therefore merits the 
name of benefactor to the brute race, or a niche beside the renowned 
Bergh. We congratulate the Adrianites on their acquisition. 



From the Cleveland Leader, Feb., 1870. 

After the exhibition, the regular lesson and illustrations began by a 
lecture of about twenty minutes duration, wherein the professor 
explained the cause, symptoms and cure of many of the diseases to 
which the horse is peculiarly liable, and set forth the matter in so clear, 
forcible and simple a manner as to disarm any prejudice or want of 
confidence in the man, if any such prejudices had been previously 
formed. But the great sensation of the evening was yet to come, for 
which all were anxious, as many present knew the vicious nature of the 
beast to be subdued — in fact there were one or two present who had 
had good cause to ever remember the great runaway and kicker known 
as the "Malone Horse." He is a gray gelding, perhaps sixteen hands 
high, of great beauty and strength, and a will and determination rarely 
found in the purely American breed of horses. The horse was brought 
into the enclosure, and caused general comment by his magnificent 
style and grace of movement. His owner was present, and after look- 
ing at the animal for a few moments, and dreading to see him pass into 
other hands to manage, hesitated at the last moment to give his consent 
to the application of the system. Mr. Magner, determined to have a 
subject for his class, asked the price of the horse, which was announced 
to be ^500. " I'll take him," said the professor, and at once handed 
over the amount. This movement on the part of Mr. Magner was un- 
expected, as most "horsemen" who have visited us generally preferred 
to "work up" other people's horses, rather than their own. But Mr. 
Magner knew the value of the animal before him, and knew the value 
of his system, and was further aware that ^1,000 was ready for the 
horse the moment that he could be driven safely before a trotting 
wagon. 



20 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING KORSES. 

At this stage of the proceedings the excitement was intense, and 
many speculations were indulged in as to who would prove the victor, 
the man or the horse. In less than twenty minutes from the time that 
Professor Magner laid his hands upon his subject, the horse was as gen- 
tle as a lamb, and as easily controlled as the most reliable family horse. 
Among other efforts to prove that the gray gelding was completely 
broken, the professor, without reins in hand, mounted the wagon, and 
catching the animal by the tail drove him around the ring at a fearful 
pace, drawing the wagon upon the heels of the horse in such a way as 
to strike them with a force that could be heard at the farthest end of the 
room. The class was astonished, declaring that they had already 
received more than the value in useful knowledge of the price of their 
admission. 



From the Cleveland Herald of Feb. 26, 1870. 

Professor Magner last night gave an exhibition at his hippotheatron, 
which was in every respect a success. A success in giving complete 
satisfaction to the large audience attracted, and in realizing a good sum 
for the Dorcas Society, a benevolent institution for the benefit of which 
the entertainment was given. This is the second donation the profes- 
sor has made to charitable institutions of our city. When he leaves us 
his visit will not only be remembered on account of the skillful 
methods of training horses, which he has imparted to a large class of 
students, but also for deeds of charity done in our midst, which will 
make his name ever associated with pleasant recollections. 

At the close of the last lecture of his coui-se in Cleveland, the 
following resolution was moved by Hon, Silas Merchant, (President of 
City Council,) which was carried by acclamation of the entire class : 

Resolved, That we, as members of Prof. Magner's class in this city, 
deem it but a just recognition of his skill and success in teaching us his 
system of educating horses, which we regard as the best ever shown us; 
and for his gentlemanly demeanor, that we are fully satisfied with his 
instructions, hereby endorse him and his system of educating and treat- 
ing horses, to our friends and the public. 

The following well known gentlemen and citizens of Cleveland, 
endorse Prof. Magner and his system, and can be referred to : 

J. P. ROSS, Proprietor of American House. 

H. NOTTINGI-IAM, Esq. 

W. W. CRAWFORD, 51 Euclid Avenue. 

GEN. J. W. FITCH, Kennard House. 

J. D. KEEGAN, Druggist, 3 Euclid Avenue. 

R. P. WATERBURY, Akron Stove Co. 

H. W. LUETKEMEYER, 150 Superior street. 

J. SCHRIBER, Tobaaionist, 113 Water street. 

GEO. E. ARMSTRONG, of Alcott & Horton, Wholesale Dry Goods, 

149 Water street. 
E. N. KEYES, Real Estate Agent, i Rouse's Block. 



NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 21 

SILAS MERCHANT, Iron Founder, River street. 

L. B. FRENCH, of French & Keith, Wholesale Dry Goods, Water st. 

S. S. COE, Secretary of Cleveland Insurance Co., corner Water and 
Superior streets. 

W. P. HORTON, of Alcott & Horton, Wholesale Dry Goods, Water st. 

A. S. ROBBINS, Wholesale dealer in Photographic Stock, corner Su- 
perior and Seneca streets. 

GEO. H. BURRITT, Collector of Customs, Custom House. 

E. THOMPSON, Wholesale Grocer, Bank street. 

JAS. BENNETT, Livery and Boarding Stable, Champlain street. 

W. D. GUSHING, Agt. Erie R. R., 131 Superior street. 

WM. EDWARDS, Wholesale Grocer, Water street. 

AMOS TOWNSEND, Wholesale Grocer and President of City Council, 

City Hall. 
H. COLLINS, Proprietor of Weddell House. 
H. HURD, Wholesale Grocer, Water street. 
GEN. D. T. CASEMENT. 
O. STONE, Esq., Scovill Avenue. 

F. W. BELL, Wholesale Lumber Merchant. 

C. W. COE, Proprietor of Cleveland Mills, 268 Scovill Avenue. 

T. ELWOOD, Livery Stable, St. Clair street. 

H. P. WEDDELL, Esq. , Banker, Bank street, and 500 others. 



Buffalo Commercial Advertiser. 

Horse that Kii.led OxNte Man and Injured Several Others. — 
We yesterday afternoon visited the amphitheatre of Prof. Magner, the 
noted horse tamer, on Carroll street. We found there a large number 
of our most prominent citizens and horse owners, and all manifested the 
greatest interest in the doings of the professor. By way of blending 
amusement with instruction. Prof. Magner exhibits before his class and 
visitors, his educated horses and ponies, who seem to possess a degree 
of intelligence absolutely marvelous. 

After the exhibition of these animals, interpersed with remarks oi an 
instructive character from the professor, a horse belonging to the Omni- 
bus Company — a most vicious brute, with a disagreeable habit of biting, 
and striking with his fore feet; from which those in charge have not 
been able to remove the collar or bridle for over three months — was 
brought for treatment. We understand, by the way, that this horse (a 
large and powerful bay) once killed a man, by biting and trampling 
him under foot, and recently bit the hand almost off the person having 
him in charge. In twenty minutes, in the presence of between two and 
three hundred persons, Prof. Magner reduced this brute to perfect sub- 
jection, so that the groom and himself harnessed and unharnessed him, 
put their hands in his mouth, and handled him in every shape with 
perfect impunity, the formerly furious beast being as docile as a kitten. 
It was a wonderful exhibition, as we can bear testimony. 

We can have no hesitation in recommending Prof. Magner and his 
mode of treatment to all interested in horses, as one who can and docs 
perform all that he promises. 



22 NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATING HORSES. 

The above horse is now gentle, as shown by the following letter : 

Buffalo, Dec. 21, 1869. 
Prof. Magner : 

Dear Sir: — I consider myself in duty bound to drop you a few lines 
respecting our once vicious horse, "Man Eater," as we called him. I 
have often said what a good thing it was we did not shoot him. He 
was taken out of the stable twice for that purpose, when I, on both oc- 
casions, interceded in his behalf. He is now one of our best horses, as 
docile as a lamb, and the drivers all like him. We work him double 
and single, as required. All this was caused from your few minutes 
tuition. You are aware of his past history. For weeks previous to 
making your acquaintance we could not get a man to harness him, and 
two of our drivers were disabled by him. When you visit the city, 
please give us a call. 

Believe me, yours very truly, 

M. FORDE, Agent, 
Buffalo Omnibus Company. 

At the close of Prof. Magner's lesson on Thursday last, all present, 
(nearly fifty,) among whom were the following well known gentlemen : 

RICHARD BULLYMORE, Esq., 

C. L. WHITING, Esq., 

Z. BONNEY, Proprietor of Bonney's Hotel. 

H. COURTER, Courter House, '' 

W. C. SHERWOOD, Esq., 

E. UPSON, Carriage Manufacturer. 
DR. GEORGE S. EVARTS, 

J. O. ROBSON, Esq., 

it was unanimously resolved, that " we commend Prof. Magner to our 
friends as a reformer of more than ordinary usefulness; that his theory 
of governing and educating horses is the most practical, humane and 
valuable in its results we have ever witnessed; can be learned and 
practiced by any one of ordinary intelligence. He tamed a wild mare 
in our presence in ten minutes, and, among other feats, he made her 
sit down twice and lie down four times in a minute without touchinp- 
her." 

In his class on Monday, August 9th, comprising nearly one hundred, 
among whom were the following well-known citizens : 

GEORGE W. TIFFT, Esq., 
JUDGE MASTEN, 
MAJOR DICKEY, 
C. J. HAMLIN, Esq., 

F. W.TRACY, Esq., 

It was resolved by acclamation, that " we fully endorse Prof. Magner 
and his system, and believe every one owning or interested in horses 



NOTICES OF THE PRESS AND PEOPLE. 23 

will find it to their advantage to learn his system of treatment. In our 
presence he put a halter on the most vicious horse in the city without 
touching him, and, by its use and that of a whip, made the horse lie 
down and get up three times, then stood off ten feet, and, with his 
hands in his pockets, laid the same horse down ten times in a minute. 
In less than twenty minutes from the time he commenced his treatment 
with his horse, he took off and put on repeatedly the collar and bridle, 
without exciting resistance or any indication of viciousness from the 
horse. The same was done by the driver, to do which before would 
have been at the hazard of his life. 



PRELIMINARY HINTS-CONDITIONS OF 
SUCCESS, ETC. 



If horses could be guided and controlled in their educa- 
tion by the use of a bit and reins, it would not be necessary 
to resort to any other treatment. 

But as this cannot be done excepting in the training of 
those of the mildest and most docile disposition, it be- 
comes essential to success to know what to do to insure the 
perfect docility and obedience of any and all horses of any 
extremes of viciousness, in harness or not. 

We see, too, that horses of energy and pluck are often 
easily spoiled by the most trifling causes exciting their fear 
and resistance, and that unless subjected to proper treat- 
ment, they are liable to become unpleasant, dangerous or 
worthless thereafter, for use. 

Overcoming all those possible difficulties with ease and 
certainty implies a knowledge of those conditions and prin- 
ciples of education and subjection by which the horse can 
be easily taught and guided into perfect docility and obedi- 
ence at will. 

This, it is seen, by the principles taught, and herein 
explained, can be easily done, and it is for the purpose of 
directing special attention to some of the more important 
conditions influencing the application of my treatment that 
I am induced to write out such preliminary hints, forming 
this chapter, as my experience suggests, the careful perusal 
of which I would urge. 

The Horse by nature is averse to the control of man, and 
as he cannot know the various ways it is intended he is to 
serve the wants of man, he must be taught, and to success- 
fully teach him implies making him passive to control 
without exposing him to injury or abuse, requiring — 

First, That the nervous system is not so disturbed and 
perverted by fear and excitement as to rouse the fears and 
vicious part of the nature into controlling action. 



EXCESSIVE FEAR MUST BE PREVENTED. 25 

Second. That there is a clear understanding of such 
principles of addressing the reason as will convey to it 
most clearly the idea of what is required to be done. 

Third. That there is a knowledge of such principles of 
subjection as will enable guiding and controlling the ani- 
mal in such ways and to such extremes as may be desired 
in his education. 

In a word, the superior strength of the horse must be 
fully and unconditionally held or made passive to control, 
any excessiveness of the fears and passions prevented, while 
the reason is addressed and won to a perfect understand- - 
ing of what is required to be done. Experience proves 
that horses resist control to the degree they learn it possible 
to do so. 

EXCESSIVE FEAR MUST BE PREVENTED. 

That excessive fear, even, of a few moments' time, from 
any cause, may so derange and excite the mind as to spoil 
and pervert the character for life. That the excitement of 
the passions only stimulates resistance and confuses the un- 
derstanding. That almost any horse can be taught and 
made to do anything of which he is capable, if properly 
shown and treated kindly and patiently. On the contrary, 
if excited and abused, his whole nature is stimulated to 
resistance. Hence, if we would not excite resistance or 
excessive fear, of objects or other causes, we must bring 
them to notice in such a manner as to both prevent excit- 
ing the fears and convince the horse of their harmless 
character until fully reconciled to their presence. 

Fourth. The inability of the horse to understand articu- 
lated language, implies the necessity of conveying to the 
mind clearly the idea of what is required to be done. 

Fifth. That the great strength of the horse is so neutral- 
ized and controlled at will, as to make prompt submission 
to man a necessity. 

Now while my principles as I have illustrated and proved 
will enable avoiding all those supposed great difficulties in 
training and handling horses, and cause results that in 
many instances appear wonderful, it must be evident they 
are, as well as all other principles, only rules, by the use of 
which certain results are to be secured, and their chief 
value in practice must depend upon the judgment used in 



26 FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE STRONGEST. 

applying them. But if as I have shown, and as the ordi- 
nary observation of daily experience clearly proves, fear is 
excited and the will aroused in securing obedience, the 
resistance of the animal is stimulated, the legitimate 
authority and control of the trainer or driver weakened or 
neutralized, and the necessity for force greatly increased, 
to a degree very often that wholly spoils the animal. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE STRONGEST. 

The first impressions made upon the mind or nervous 
system of the colt, are the strongest and most lasting. A 
colt or horse of even a good disposition, it is seen, may be 
made a reckless, foolish, kicking maniac, by being greatly 
frightened, from some cause in itself, perhaps trifling, but 
forced to notice in such a way as to excite and derange the 
nervous system. And when it is seen that even the life of 
a sensitive horse may be destroyed by being greatly fright- 
ened, we can see to what a degree the nervous system can 
be deranged at times by causes which, if the animal were 
subjected to the precautionary treatment shown, would 
excite no fear, and hence no resistance, thereby preventing 
as well as overcoming easily, what would appear to be an 
almost insurmountable difficulty. 

Equine nature is so constituted that it will submit pas- 
sively to conditions of resistance or restraint, it cannot suc- 
cessfully resist or overcome, or by producing such impres- 
sions upon the mind as will prevent an inclination to resist. 

This is the law of natural government or supremacy to 
which all the lower animals yield, the smaller and weaker 
submitting to the stronger, and indeed, this is the funda- 
mental basis of successful human government. Hence, the 
resorts of military power or studied scientific application of 
destructive force as shown in war and its penalties, and 
hence the effort to attain a knowledge of more destructive 
means to repel or overcome resistance. 

HORSES SHOULD BE EDUCATED— NOT BROKEN. 

But we see, as in the successful education of the horse, 
this principle must be so modified, that he will not be inju- 
red or abused, not even excited to any extreme, as this 



HORSES SHOULD BE EDUCATED — NOT BROKEN. 27 

would neutralise and destroy the very object of our efforts 
to make a strong, gentle, submissive servant to our wants, 
which is our real object to attain. 

But the common plan of doing this by attempting to hold 
and force a horse in harness, and whipping if there is re- 
sistance, is from the nature of things, inadequate, defective 
and cruel, since there is not necessary physical power to do 
this with any degree of certainty, and the aggravation of 
the whip, in conjunction with the natural fear of the 
animal, stimulates resistance, and thus without adequate 
precaution or power, the difficulty to be overcome is so 
greatly increased as to cause failure and trouble, the cause 
of which is usually attributed to a bad disposition. But if 
the animal is first made passive to restraint by proper treat- 
ment, control becomes simple and ea.sy, since the mind can 
now be easily won and guided without fear or resistance 
into such habits as may be desired without exciting resist- 
ance or subjecting the animal to injury. 

Now this is exactly what my system enables doing, de- 
veloping to a practical basis those principles of necessary 
power, while there is a clear understanding of what is re- 
quired to be done impressed upon the mind, which is at the 
same time aided and encouraged by the most powerful 
appeals to the better part of the nature, until prompt will- 
ing obedience is secured and fully established. This has 
been the object of Schristian, Offutt, Rarey, and others, 
to accomplish, but in vain, as shown by the simple method 
of throwing shown by all those including Rarey, by redu- 
cing vitality, as shown by South Americans, the Indians on 
our western plains, and the Chilians. Of course, very 
remarkable and satisfactory results were and can be often 
shown by these methods of subjection, but from necessity, 
coming far short of those essential points aimed at, and so 
necessary to that perfect success, which we are able to do 
by my treatment, which enable results in many cases in 
less than an hour, entirely impossible to accomplish by such 
or any other treatment heretofore in use. 

SUBJECTION-OLD METHODS OF. 

The rudest and most injurious methods of subduing hor- 
ses are those which tend directly to lower the strength or 



28 SUBJECTION — OLD METHODS OF. 

destroy life. Hence the different methods of taming or 
breaking horses in general use from time immemorial. The 
first account we have of any horse being subdued was that 
of Bucephalus, in the time of Alexander the Great, about 
300 years before Christ. A subject, we are told, presented 
this horse to the Emperor as a gift, but he (the horse) show- 
ing a very vicious disposition, Alexander ordered him to be 
taken away, when young Alexander stated what a pity to 
lose so fine an animal for the want of a little address, 
adroitly mounted him and rode him off at the top of his 
speed. The greatest alarm was manifested for the safety of 
the Prince, and the joy of all was great when he returned, 
the horse perfectly gentle, and he safe. This horse became 
famous for his wonderful sagacity. We are told that when 
he died he was buried with honors, and a city was given 
his name. The same principle of subjection, with slight 
variations, is still practiced on the pampas of South Amer- 
ica, and on our western plains. They catch the horse with 
a lasso, throw him to the ground, saddle and bridle him, 
and ride him with whip and spur, until completely ex- 
hausted and perfectly submissive. South America.ns square 
off the ends of the hair of the tail, after the horse submits, 
to indicate that he is broken and again turn him loose. 
The same principle is in use among the Indians on our 
western plains, and with equal success. The Chilians tie a 
refractory horse in the stable and whip him until he lies 
down or falls down, usually requiring about forty-eight 
hours. He is then tried, and if refractory the process is 
continued until he becomes gentle. 

Bleeding, physicking, want of sleep, starving, want of 
water, intense pain, choking, &c., &c., will enable this 
end; but, as will be seen, this treatment is not only dan- 
gerous but injurious, often breaking down the animal to 
such a degree as to become comparatively worthless, or 
made so treacherous as to require being broken over again 
almost every time used. There is a belief among many, 
even of intelligence, that a certain peculiar something in 
the way of medicine, will make a horse gentle, following a 
man anywhere. Catlin, an Indian traveler, states with 
gravity, in his account of Indian customs, Szc, that after 
an Indian breathes into the nostrils of a horse, he becomes 
his slave, following him like a dog, &c. I have handled 



KINDNESS — ITS IMPORTANCE. 29 

all sorts of horses, and have shown results in the way of 
successful control of mustangs, mules and vicious horses, 
which I defy the ability in any one to produce by any such 
treatment. My experience tells me that breathing into 
the nostrils or giving any medicine of which we have any 
knowledge, will fail to make the mind of a wild or vicious 
horse passive to control, to any marked degree. The oslets 
which grow upon the inside of horses' legs, ground and 
blown into the nostrils in connection with oil of Cumin, 
Rhodium, Anise, either or all, constitute this great secret ; 
but as good an effect can be produced by giving apples, 
sugar and salt in equal proportions, oats, or in fact anything 
of which the horse is fond. This is however only in part 
an illustration of the value of some of our most essential 
treatment in the successful management of certain peculiari- 
ties of disposition. 

KINDNESS— ITS IMPORTANCE. 

• I will call more special attention in another part of this 
chapter, to the importance of kindness as an essential to 
true success in making horses of a natuia.lly wild and ner- 
vous disposition safe and gentle. We see that a horse of a 
sensitive, plucky nature, may be excited and roused into 
the most determined resistance or viciousness by a little 
exciting abusive treatment. That the more the bad part of 
the nature is excited, the more determined and reckless the 
resistance. Excitement heats the blood, blunts the under- 
standing and stimulates the passions, and as a consequence, 
increased nervousness and resistance is the result. 

Under such circumstances a horse will go beyond his 
natural strength in resistance. Hence, the mustang, or 
other horse, broken by exciting, exhausting force, such as 
running, extreme whipping, &c., is not only liable to be 
seriously injured constitutionally, but soured in temper. 
Good illustrations of this are shown in high strung mares 
and horses, which may be whipped severely for kicking. 
Though perhaps weak and broken down from abuse, they 
will squeal and kick with the true recklessness of malignant 
hate. The very expression of the eyes shows kick. So with 
the balker ; the whole nature is intensified in rebellion. 
But how different if the better part of the nature is won by 



30 PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OF DISPOSITION. 

kindness. The expression is softened, there is a natural 
willingness excited to do whatever is properly and carefully 
shown ; but if in addition to this the mind can be held and 
controlled at will, thus lessening the confidence and pow- 
ers of resistance, obedience can be secured and won with a 
quickness and ease that is surprising. 

This is the true principle, as I have shown, as it enables 
addressing and winning the full cooperation of the under- 
standing and better nature, without exciting resistance, or 
to so limited a degree as to be easily overcome, and really 
implies teaching the horse in a reasonable practicable man- 
ner in accordance with the laws of his nature. 

PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OP DISPOSITION. 

The extremes of intelligence, temper, size and texture of 
body demands attention, v/hen attempting to train or sub- 
due a horse. And here this apparently threadbare subject 
reveals an apparently new and most interesting field for the 
careful student. 

We are told in Genesis, that after all the lower animals 
were created they were brought before Adam to receive their 
names; and whatsoever he called any animal, whether beast, 
bird, fish or reptile, that was the name thereof. In a vv^ord, 
all representing the different stratas or modifications and 
extremes of his own higher or lower nature. Hence, in 
understanding his own nature, he could readily comprehend 
that of theirs. There are not only classes but modifications 
in each family, each representing some type or modification 
of others becoming clearer to the observation in the do- 
mestic animals. For though each family, in a general 
sense, preserves its own peculiarity of identity in size, color, 
disposition, &c., yet no two of anyfamxily are exactly alike, 
each showing som^e peculiar phase of distinction. Hence, 
one ox, cow, dog, or other animal, is seen to be more 
vicious, wild, or difficult to manage than others of the 
same family, and vice versa. The horse shov/s these peculi- 
arities of extreme sometimes to a most marked degree. 
Hence we see there are horses so docile, fearless and man- 
ageable that they can hardly be made to do anything mean, 
submitting to being handled or driven in harness from the 
start without trouble, while others are so flighty, foolish or 



PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OF DISPOSITION. 



31 



vicious as to be scarcely manageable by the most skillful 
prudence and effort. 

Now if you will look closely, for example, at the head 
and eyes of any horse showing a marked trait, you will 
find, confining your observation to even the eye alone, a 
corresponding peculiarity of it to that of the animal the 
horse most similates in character or disposition. To illus- 
trate — a large brown eye 
rather flat set well out in 
the head, eyelids thin, ex- 
pression mild, but sensitive, 
which is peculiar only to 
the naturally gentle horse, 
you have the counterpart of 
the sheep or gazelle, the 
most innocent and gentle 
of all the domestic animals. 
The same is noticeable in 
the dog of mild, gentle 
character, as well as other 
animals. A small, round, 
clear eye, set well into the 
head, or eyelids heavy, ex- 
pression stolid or learish, 
you have indicated a sulky, 
g disposition. Notice the 
head of such. You will usually find it rather narrow 
between the eyes, long from eyes to ears, ears inclining 
to lop back, head rather low between the ears, and nose 
rounding. Rouse this temper and the sulky unrelent- 
ing pluck of the bull-dog, hog or bear is shown, which they 
most similate in form and expression. The first, though 
greatly excited, remains plastic, yielding readily to control, 
hardly resisting the most severe abuse by attempting to do 
more than try to get away. Whereas the second becomes 
so stubborn, as the blood becomes warmed, as to stand sto- 
lidly in defiance of the most severe whipping, or plunges 
madly forward, regardless of consequences. As kickers or 
balkers they will contest every point stubbornly if warmed 
up and excited, though submitting readily to restraint if the 
blood is permitted to become cool, and the better part of 
the nature is appealed to. 




Naturally Intelligent and Gentle. 

unreliable, mulish or bull-do 



32 PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OF DISPOSITION. 




Dull and Treaclierous. 



When the eye is 

large, even, full, but 

clear or dark in color, 

restless and sensitive 

in action, a flighty 

unreliable character 

will be exhibited — Is 

a free driver if a bright 

bay or sorrel, liable to 

pull hard on the bit 

as the blood becomes 

warmed by exercise 

and excitement. 
If the eye is good, 

round and clear, scin- 
tillating as if it were 

fire, the eyelids drawn 

down, or the eyes partly closed, a kind of listless expression 

of the head, you have the unusual but possible ternper of 

the tiger or feline character, the temper of which if you 

rouse and excite, 
above all others, will 
be the one which 
will almost set at 
defiance your most 
persevering efforts. 
You can throw him 
a hundred times, he 
will lie down easily 
but jump up prompt- 
ly; he will barely 
yield to the next 
principle of subjec- 
tion, which is by far 
the most simple and 
powerful, but in de- 
fiance of all you can 

do, when a little rested, he will perhaps kick or run 

away as recklessly and determined as ever, all the whipping 

and pounding your temper, if aroused, may cause you to 

inflict will do no good, and only make the matter worse. 
I would here say that as soon as you discover this dispo 




Sensitive and Flighty. 



PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OF DISPOSITION. 33 

sition, stop exciting coercive treatment, subject at once to 
passive treatment. As soon as there is submission, work 
slowly and quietly, and the difficulty you were by the pre- 
vious treatment only intensifying, you will soon find to 
disappear, and the animal become perfectly gentle, but 
must not be whipped. [See cuts of illustrating natural 
extremes of disposition.] 

Note. — I have had many illustrations of the wonderful resistance 
that may be excited in horses of this disposition by treatment that will 
heat the blood and rouse the temper, and showing the value of treatment 
that is wholly passive in their management. A few of the most marked 
cases I will refer to in this connection : An eight-year-old bay pony, by bad ' 
treatment made to kick, resisted all efforts to break, and was an incor- 
rigible reckless kicker ; was entirely passive, but if touched around the 
flanks or hind parts, would squeal and kick most desperately. As a 
means of illustration, subjected to first and second methods of subjec- 
tion. Quickly throwing would do no good, and as predicted, only 
roused resistance. She yielded readily to the second method, submit- 
ting to being touched around with a pole in any manner, and I pro- 
ceeded at once to carry out control by restraint upon the mouth, and 
drove her successfully, preventing her kicking. But as soon as she got 
over the surprise and effect of this treatment, she resented all effort to 
control her, kicking in the most desperate manner. I knew that while 
irritated and excited she would resist all effort to subdue, and bought 
her to make a satisfactory experiment, I subjected her the next day, 
privately, to the same treatment in the most careful and thorough man- 
ner, but all to no purpose. She proved incorrigible, the most despe- 
rate animal I ever saw. 

I worked this mare with great care and thoroughness, as a matter of 
trial, but all to no purpose. Never before did I see such reckless de- 
termined resistance. I carried coercive treatment to its utmost limit, 
and for the first time in all my experience, found a horse that by sheer 
pluck would resist it ; yet yielded readily to the milder and more flat- 
tering course, which though working slow, made a radical reformation. 
The whole aspect of her nature became changed as the blood became 
cool, and ulitmately proved one of the most docile, manageable ponies 
in the country. 

Second Case. — A four-year-old colt, a natural kicker ; would kick 
any body or any thing. Had resisted all efforts to break her, and was 
worthless ; was brought twenty miles for me to handle ; would kick 
and balk, and was one of the worst I ever saw — an interesting case. — - 
She resisted the usual regular treatment, resisting all effort, compelling 
finally, a resort to the slower and less exciting course, and as she be- 
came cool grew out of all resistance, becorning a safe and gei>tle mare. 

Both of these cases resisted so determinedly in illustrating my regu- 
lar treatment, that I purchased them to enable me to handle them in 
private, with the results above stated. Have had many cases of this 
ternperament that were regarded as invincible, having resisted all 
2* 



34 PECULIARITIES AND EXTREMES OF DISPOSITION. 

The milder and more sensitive, the less abuse and excite- 
ment will be borne. The more stubborn and combative 
nature, the more force, and even abuse will be borne, but 
mingled with the wild character, force that will heat the 
blood, will excite resistance. Hence, a mild, sensitive dog 
or horse can be managed best by gentle flattering treat- 
ment. The bull dog, mule or stubborn cart horse will take 
the whip and care bnt little about it. But a little excite- 
ment and punishment would only rouse to aggression the 
bear or hog, and animals showing the intense courage and 
pluck common to the more untamable nature will resist all 
but the most intense means of pain. Hence we see that 
gentleness and kindness is the course, and the only course 
advisable with the horse, dog, or other sensitive animal. 
Those of a morcpositive disposition call for both force and 
encouragement, while the lion, tiger, elephant, &c., must 
be made to feel the most intense means of pain. Hence, 
those of the wild class, such as tigers, &c., are subdued by 
burning and pounding with red hot rods. The elephant is 
subjected by having spears stuck into his body, and hooks 
stuck into the ears, &c. But it is seen the effect of care- 
fully encouraging or kindly treating is, with rare exceptions, 
very marked, and is only to be superseded v/hen force be- 
comes necessary. 

As a rule, the larger and finer the brain is in texture, the 
more docility and intelligence will be exhibited; and the 
smaller the brain the less the intelligence, and the more 
determined the resistance to control. In proportion as 
there is predominance of the lower and more savage charac- 
teristics of animal nature, there is more natural resistance 
and difficulty to subdue, but proportionately more vitality 
and powers of endurance may be anticipated. To the de- 
gree that the animal intelligence and sensibility are in 
excess of the coarse and stubborn traits, there will be propor- 
tionately more tractableness and docility, though, perhaps, 
the hardiness and vitality may be somewhat less. The sheep 
and llama, for example, having but little of this coarse, 
combative nature, will not bear abuse. We are told the 



others, but in every instance have succeeded by the usual course of 
disconcerting or passive treatment. All these bad cases require the 
most gentle and encouraging after treatment, to fully wear out of the 
mind all impulse of resentment and enmity previously excited. 



IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTING FEAR. 35 

llama, if overloaded, will lie down discouraged and die, not 
resenting the cruelty in the least. The camel, of a less 
sensitive nature, will toil patiently under the heaviest bur- 
then, submitting meekly to almost any extreme of abuse; 
while the ass, mule and mustang, having a larger share of 
the combative disposition, are more obstinate and willful, 
and are usually more difficult to subdue and manage, and 
always call for more force in their subjection than is called 
for in the control of those of a mild, sensitive disposition. 
More vitality and endurance may, however, be always an- 
ticipated in proportion to the predominance of the wild, 
combative disposition. They are the horses, above all 
others, that call for great skill in their early training espe- 
cially, and any imprudence or abuse by which the fears and 
passions are much excited, is almost sure to excite a pro- 
portionate degree of resistance and trouble. 

IMPOKTAlSrCE OF PEE VENTING FEAR AND 
RESISTANCE. 

One of the essentials of true success is that of vigilance 
in guarding against accidents or preventing resistance. A 
little carelessness or imprudence under favorable circum- 
stances is liable to precipitate a degree of resistance, or a 
calamity it is often difficult if not impossible to prevent or 
overcome after being excited. The dropping of a lighted 
match carelessly in a heap of shavings, led to the burning 
of the city of Portland, a few years ago. The burning of 
a little straw in a cow stable, caused, it is supposed, by the 
upsetting of a lamp, led to the burning of Chicago. Nearly 
every great and lamentable accident involving great destruc- 
tion of property and loss of life, is usually traceable to 
some minor defect or carelessness. 

That delicacy of judgment which detects danger and 
takes measures to prevent accident, gives a great advantage 
in attaining success, but when this is combined with skill 
which enables overcoming the difficulty easily and effect- 
ually, the most perfect success must result with anything 
like ordinary effort. 



36 HORSES SHOULD BE PROVED BEFORE USING. 

HOKSES SHOULD BE PKOVBD BEFORE USING, 

Hence, if a colt is wild or vicious, or learned to run 
away and kick, making control hazardous and doubtful, it 
is essential to true success to subject him to such necessary- 
treatment as will assure of his perfect docility and safety in 
handling or driving under the most exciting and dangerous 
circumstances, as it is then that perfect docility becomes 
most valuable, and is as much a true necessity in guarding 
against accident, as the making of steam boilers so strong 
and testing them by such increased pressure as will insure 
against the possibility of exploding under the pressure ne- 
cessary in use. It is no excuse to claim that the horse got 
suddenly frightened, kicked, and ran away, making control 
impossible. Such a possibility should be guarded against 
by subjecting the horse to treatment which will both pre- 
vent and overcome such a possibility, which can be easily 
done by the ordinary course of subjection. Hence, when 
a horse is impulsive and dangerous, liable to kick or run 
away, or is at all doubtful, he should not be driven until 
subjected to this necessary precautionary treatment, and is 
not to be hazarded until made thus safe. There is no more 
necessity or sense in hazarding an accident by the use of 
horses that are so unsafe that they will not submit to the 
most ordinary causes of excitement, such, for example, as 
being touched by the wagon or cross-piece of shafts, fear of 
top umbrella, refusing to be obedient to the most ordinary 
restraint and guidance of the bit when pulled upon, no 
matter how excited, than there is in hazarding a boiler 
known to be so weak as to give way under any greater pres- 
sure than is barely necessary for ordinary use. 

But in tracing back causes of unusual derangement, we 
should look back, too, to those of a constitutional charac- 
ter, inherited from the sire or sires by causes which excite 
or derange the mind or nervous system, as the condition 
of the mind at the time the sires were brought together, 
must largely influence in forming the character of the colt. 
Hence the stallion, though of a gentle character, if excited 
and maddened at the time of so using, will almost with 
certainty cause the colt to be naturally vicious. So in rela- 
tion to the mare; if subjected to exciting, abusive treatment, 
the disposition of the colt must be affected by it. Many 



REMARKABLE ADAPTATION OF HORSES. 37 

interesting Statements of facts, proving the truth of these 
assertions, have been made to me by farmers and breeders 
at different times, after attending my lectures, to such 
causes of possible derangement, and which it is essential to 
guard against. 

KEMAEKABLE ADAPTATION OP HOKSES FOR 
DIFFERENT USES. 

Marked extremes and modifications of size, disposition 
and character, show fixed laws of adaptation. We see this 
is not only true in the adaptation of different classes of 
domestic animals for special uses, but even in those of the 
same family. Thus 

THE ESQUIMAUX 

have not only a dog, but a dog of peculiar nature, exactly 
adapted to their wants. No other domestic animal could 
endure the intense cold of that region, or could live so far 
North with man, and this dog must and does perform the 
different duties of guard, assistant, hunter, fisherman, etc., 
and, in extremity, supplies, both by his body and his skin, 
both food and raiment for his master. 

THE LAPLANDERS 

have the reindeer, which is also singularly adapted to their 
wants, the most reliable and only beast of burthen capable 
of enduring the rigors of so cold a latitude, supplying them 
with milk, butter and cheese, their flesh making the best of 
food, and their skin the best of clothing. 

THE PERUVIANS 

have the llama, or alpaca, which is accustomed to climb the 
mountains, carries heavy burthens over the Andes, and fur- 
nishes them with milk for their children, wool for clothing, 
but best of all, meat for food. The 

INHABITANTS OF THE DESERT 

have the camel, or dromedary, for crossing the arid, sandy 
plains, carrying heavy burthens, and bearing within them- 
selves a supply of water to last them for a week. They 
have also the horse, lithe, active and enduring, capable of 
traveling with great fleetness for days, on the most scanty 
fare. 



38 NATURAL ADAPTATION REGARDED. 

NATURAL ADAPTATION EBGAKDED. 

This remarkable adaptation to climate and condition, 
as seen not only in the animals named, to the wants of the 
people among whom we find them, is also wonderfully 
exemplified in the horse, showing great size, weight and 
strength, mild, docile and patient disposition, exactly 
adapted for the slow, slavish drudgery of the plow or cart. 
His anatomical structure and coarse, heavy muscle show 
him to be fitted for and adapted only for strong but slow 
action. The fiery, quick, active horse, on the contrary, has 
not only a form adapted for speed and great endurance ; he 
has a more oblique and thinner shoulder, longer arm and 
hip, and more lung power. His whole structure is of a 
finer, lighter and stronger character. He does not put on 
fat easily, and is more sensitive, intelligent and active, simu- 
lating the grey-hound in appearance and action, compared 
to the heavy, slow Newfoundland dog of an entirely con- 
trary conformation. From these extremes there is an endless 
variety of modifications, showing not Only marked traces 
of distinction of family, for strength, activity, endurance 
and action, but in disposition, ranging from the smallest 
Shetlander to the large Norman or Flemish horses, in size, 
intelligence, temper and density of texture from that of 
the quick, fiery barb, to the slow, dull, sluggish cart horse. 
Hence the necessity of selecting the larger, slower and more 
patient character for slow, heavy, slavish work, and the 
light, active, hardy, enduring character for great fleetness 
and endurance, as, for example, shown in the use of light, 
hardy, lithe, active horses used on the desert or plains of 
our own country, for speed and endurance, and the large, 
slow, Norman or Flemish horse for slow, heavy work. In 
a word, anything of an ordinary discrimination should 
designate the necessity of selecting horses for the work they 
are by nature best adapted. Want of regard to this law is 
the cause of not only much annoyance, but of great loss to. 
farmers and others. 

This is not only true in the selection and use of light- 
boned, sensitive, delicate constitutioned horses for slow, 
heavy work, or subjecting high-strung, nervous-tempered 
ones for such a purpose, when slower, stronger and more 
patient animals should be used. So, in relation to using 



NOT BEING AFRAID OF HORSES. 39 

slow, heavy horses for fast driving or riding, and so, also, 
the greatest and most unpardonable want of judgment and 
prudence is shown by gentlemen in the selection of horses 
of the most unreliable character, for a purpose requiring the 
greatest docility and perfection of character. 

The most lamentable and common causes of accident and 
loss, result from the want of exercising proper descrimina- 
tion and judgment in the selection of horses more especially 
adapted by nature for their use. 

Thus, if a horse is not or cannot be made perfectly reli- 
able for carriage or family use, or for any purpose involving 
much danger to life and property, he should be discarded 
or changed for one that is safe and reliable. But as these 
naturally excitable, hardy, plucky horses are really the best 
and most valuable horses when properly educated, the great 
value of my treatment can be appreciated, as I conclusively 
prove. I can even reform and make perfectly gentle the 
wildest and most vicious horses that can be found ; and that 
it must be the fault of the reader if he cannot be equally 
successful. I see and handle horses almost daily, that are 
used for carriage driving, so unreliable and dangerous in 
character, that it would be true economy to shoot or give 
them away, rather than hazard accident by their use. 

NOT BEING AFRAID OF HOKSES. 

This is a common expression, and is most always 
prompted by fool hardy ignorance. A wild mustang or 
mule would strike or kick without regard to being firm and 
courageous in manner or not. A determined horse that 
has learned to kick and run away, can do so in defiance of 
any control that can be exerted upon the mouth by the 
strongest of men with reins. If there is danger of a horse 
kicking or resisting control from excessive fear or other 
cause of resistance, being recklessly venturesome, without 
having taken adequate precautionary measures to prevent or 
overcome such viciousness, is only incurring risk; it is the 
part of true success to guard against or break up, before 
taking any doubtful chances which can be easily done by 
my treatment. It is assuming too much for any man to 
attempt driving and controlling a wild, reckless, kicking, 
runaway horse, by the control of reins and bit, as a strong. 



40 NOT BEING AFRAID OF HORSES. 

determined, runaway horse can run away in defiance of the 
power of several men by pulling on reins with any bit 
in use. I could refer, if necessary, to hundreds of horses 
of so bad a character as to resist all control in double or 
single harness, by any means that could be used, to two of 
the worst cases of which I will refer to here, out of a large 
number I have handled, even during the past season. 

An eight year old bay horse, owned by Mr. Gates, a 
livery keeper of Garrettsville, Ohio. This horse was raised 
by Mr. Gates, had a right to trot fast, but in defiance of all 
that he could do up to the time handled by me, he could 
no be controlled in harness. The united strength of ten 
men, the owner stated, could not hold him if in the least 
excited or touched with a whip; yet in twenty minutes was 
driven by me gently, and so thoroughly gentle and man- 
ageable as to stand by word of command, regardless of any 
excitement, even whipping, and has been driven in double 
and single harness by Mr. Gates and others for nearly a 
year, (Nov., 1871,) and drives safe and gentle. One of the 
most remarkable however, was a six year old colt, owned by 
J. P. Collins, Esq., proprietor of track in Toledo, Ohio. 
This colt resisted all control in harness; pulling so recklessly 
against the bit, that control was out of the question; yet 
was driven perfectly gentle by me in forty minutes, and 
remains so. These horses could run away with any horse 
hitched with them in double harness; it was considered as 
impossible by any means to drive them in single or double 
harness without running away; yet the once handling to 
which each was subjected by me, proved sufficient to make 
them quiet in single or double harness. 

I stand ready to handle and drive horses of the wildest 
and most desperate character, and take such in hand almost 
daily in illustrating my lectures, yet I never have an acci- 
dent or get run away with. Now, although I do this as a 
matter of business in the pursuit of which I take in hand 
some of the most desperately reckless horses in the country, 
I would not think of hitching up and driving a horse of 
even ordinary bad character as is usually done, knowing 
my control to be too doubtful and limited to do so safely. 
This is the prudence I would urge upon you to exercise when 
necessary, as it is one of the essential points of true suc- 
cess as well as in guarding against and preventing accident. 



GREAT THOROUGHNESS NECESSARY. 41 

Of course there are circumstances, and they are ahiiost of 
constant occurrence, that call for courage and firmness of 
the highest order, to divert the attention, and hold a dis- 
position to aggression in check. Horses of courage and 
intelligence are sometimes wonderfully acute in their per- 
ceptions, and the least expression of weakness or want of 
confidence would encourage them to resistance if not 
dangerous aggression. This is seen most clearly in 
stallions. 

The horse always reveals his intentions by the actions 
of the ears and muzzle, and the expression of the eyes, as 
plainly as could be done by words. If they are thrown 
back, the lips curl, eye half closes and glistening with an 
expression of defiance, there is danger. In approaching 
such a horse, the better way is to stand still just beyond 
the reach of the animal, looking straight at the eye, show- 
ing undoubted confidence and power in the actions and 
expression of the features and language, authoritatively 
commanding to get round or take care. The degree of 
attention and submission to command, will enable deter- 
mining with great certainty, how far it is safe to venture, 
but under any circumstances is the eye, in such a case, to 
be taken off that of the horse. The firmness and delicacy of 
judgment often necessary in approaching and handling some 
horses, must necessarily be of a high order to prevent resist- 
ance, if not aggression and injury. 

GBEAT THOBOUGHNESS JSTECESSAKY. 

An important requisition is being thorough in what is 
attempted to be done, and never to feel that there cannot 
be success. The worse the horse, the more careful and 
thorough must be the efforts. Want of reasonable perse- 
verance will, I imagine, be the principle cause of failure it 
there is failure. 

Fifteen out of every twenty men, who may attend my 
lectures, would toil arduously and patiently for days and 
even weeks for the pittance of a dollar or two a day, who 
would scarcely submit to the patience and effort necessary 
to break or reform a valuable horse, for example, of balking 
or kicking, if it required a half day's continuous effort, 
though the effort would enable increasing value of the ani- 
mal from one-fourth to one-half. 



42 GREAT THOROUGHNESS NECESSARY. 

There are also many who are disposed to sneer and find 
fault with the writer, should they fail to even a limited 
degree in accomplishing those marked results illustrated, 
and which have been shown to be so easily accomxplished by 
his treatment as to be beyond comparison with any other 
treatment in simplicity and effectiveness. 

The consideration of an hour or two's time and a few 
dollars' cost, seems to be an equivalent that demands such 
effectiveness in the treatment given, as to scarcely require 
an effort to reform horses of the most vicious character. 
Like the conceited, ignorant, la^boring Irishman, who man- 
aged by years of the most severe labor and rigid economy 
to save enough to take him to America, had such a hallu- 
cination impressed upon his mind of the ease and luxurious 
plenty to be found in this great, free country, that after 
landing in New York he would not deign to pick up a five 
dollar gold piece which happened in his way in the street. 
It was not worth stooping for. Be Gorra, he would go to 
the whole heap which he imagined somewhere beyond, and 
when he found it necessary to work at fourteen shillings a 
day, which was just twelve times more than he ever received 
for a day's labor in Ireland, he cursed the freedom and 
sneered at the privation, suffering and loss by which this 
grand, free country, with its illimitable resources, were won 
and given for the use and benefit of the poor and industrious 
of all nations, for little more than the cost of coming to it. 
So many ignorant, conceited men who have not the expe- 
rience, discrimination or judgment to appreciate and use 
with becoming patience and effort, the knowledge which I 
have made available to them for virtually almost nothing, 
which has cost me the best part of my life to develope, at 
a cost of labor, anxiety, danger and money, that with rea- 
son would appal those of the most stern resolution, energy 
and strength, and but few, indeed, w^io would have the 
courage even to attempt, would succeed in passing through 
without failing. The truth is, more or less failure and dif- 
ficulty is necessary to become skilled and successful in the 
performance of any important duty, and the same is, to 
some extent, true in the application of my system. When 
I tell the reader that the ability to write these pages, and 
whatever of skill and success I have attained, has been 
grown into me by the hard, stern attrition of an unaided 



MORAL BEARING. 43 

floating life among strangers, almost continually subject to 
those perverting influences which are its natural concomi- 
tants. And yet I am made only the more mindful by ex- 
perience that I am wholly indebted to those necessities of 
my condition, which seemed to call continually for the 
exercise of my greatest energies, not so much to attain suc- 
ces as to prevent and overcome the trials and failures to 
which I was almost constantly liable. This is the lesson 
which true success in any channel must teach, and in no 
direction is it taught more forcibly than in the proper exer- 
cise of this great and important duty. 

Human nature is so constituted that it calls for great 
trials to develope its great and profound resources. Every 
difficulty, rightly considered, only stirs into still greater 
action its latent powers. Every act of dissimulation and 
dishonesty discovered leads to a closer perception of the 
actions and intentions animating others under like circum- 
stances, but they are rightly considered only the elements 
necessary to brighten and strengthen the mind to steadier, 
stronger, more uniform and successful action. As the 
steady wielding of the hammer by the blacksmith developes 
more size and strength in his arm, and proportionately more 
strength and powers of endurance. 

MOBAL BEAKING. 

In its true significance, this duty is really one of the most 
interesting and instructive we are called upon to perform, 
constantly revealing to the mind the true latitude of its 
powers and responsibility. In studying the instincts and 
habits of the horse, we are reminded of many of the laws, 
aptitudes and peculiarities of our own nature; for, while 
we are trying to control and regulate the actions of the 
horse, we are bringing into play certain principles of order, 
command and control in our own minds. 

The more we observe this the more true and important it 
will be made to appear to us. We soon find that we first 
need to control ourselves to be able to control the horse, 
and we see, too, that the more perfect and reasonable the 
control which we are capable of exercising over ourselves 
is, the more perfect and reasonable the control we are capa- 
ble of exercising over the horse. Hence we see that the 



44 MORAL BEARING. 

scientific study and training of the horse is ahiiost continu- 
ally leading the mind to an insight of the most striking 
laws of our own minds. 

Now, when we proceed on fixed laws, this exercise begins, 
and the more we see and understand that skill is involved, 
the more we feel that real responsibility and skill are de- 
manded to insure success. We see that certain elements 
are necessary: coolness, firmness, steadiness of purpose, 
energy, perseverance. We have brought all these qualities 
into exercise; we have cultivated and strengthened them 
in ourselves; we have seen the importance of not showing 
fear, the impropriety of exhibiting anger, hastiness, re- 
venge, etc., and the importance of keeping uppermost 
feelings of kindness, forbearance, etc. Thus, when we 
proceed on right principles and according to the real laws 
of the case, we are all the time cultivating the better side, 
and restraining the worst side of our own nature. 

View the subject as we will, it excites strong incentives 
to self-improvement, offering the most frequent suggestions, 
and presenting a repetition of motives for the cultivation 
of all our highest and best powers. 



THE WILD COLT. 



When we remember that the first impressions on the 
mind of the colt are the strongest and most lasting; that 
his resistance is prompted by fear and an ignorance of what 
he is required to do, we see that the first point to be ac- 
complished, is to make him so gentle that he will not try to 
resist being handled without frightening or abusing him. 
Imagine yourself in place of the colt ; a timid, innocent, sus- 
picious child, and realize what the treatment of any one 
should be to enlist your confidence and obedience, and you 
will see that gentleness, kindness and prudence in not 
exciting the fears are paramount considerations. If the 
colt is afraid of you and resists your control, it is because 
he apprehends danger from you. Now the quicker you 
force him the more you must abuse and excite him, hence 
you must make up your mind to be patient — take your time, 
following up carefully, one point after another, until there is 
entire docility, allowing being touched or handled behind 
as may be desired without exciting fear or resistance. 

If possible, have a room or yard, about twenty-five or 
thirty feet square, or even larger. See that all causes of in- 
jury are removed, and get the colt into this enclosure very 
quietly; if he is wild and nervous, see that no hens, dogs, 
etc., are in the room. Say to your friends, it is necessary 
to your success, and is a condition of your instruction, that 
you must be alone. 

Of course the colt must first be haltered. If not very 
wild, this will not be difficult to do. But if very wild or 
vicious, this may be difficult and perhaps dangerous, and 
you should always carefully guard against injury to yourself 
as well as your horse, and at the same time you may 
accomplish your object just as surely, if not as easily. Take 
a light pole ten or twelve feet in length, or as much longer 
as you can use to advantage, if the colt is very wild or 



46 



HALTERING THE COLT. 



dangerous, and drive two nails into it, about eight inches 
apart, the first about an inch from the end, with the heads 
bent a little outward from each other. Take a common 




Haltering the Colt. 

rope halter with a running noose, pull the part which slips 
through the noose back about two feet, and hang the part 
that goes over the head upon the nails on the end of your 
pole nicely, keeping hold of the hitching part, which must 
be as long as your pole. Your halter is now so spread and 
hung upon the stick as to be easily put on to the head. If 
the colt is not excited or frightened, as you extend the hal- 
ter towards him he will reach out his nose to smell and 
examine it, and while he is gratifying his curiosity in this 
way, you can bring the slack part under his jaw and raise 
the pole high enough to bring the halter over and back of 
the ears, when, by turning the stick half way round, the 
halter will drop from it upon the head. This will frighten 
the colt a little and cause him to run from you, but this will 
only cause the slack part passing back of the jaw to be 
pulled up, and the halter will be securely adjusted. 

Being haltered, the colt must be taught to submit to its 
restraints and control. Take a position at the side on a 
line with the shoulder, and give a quick, strong pull towards 
you, instantly letting loose on the halter until you get the 
same position again. You have the greatest advantage from 



HITCHING. 47 

this position, and by adroitly repeating the pulls as he will 
bear, until he will come without being pulled upon. Should 
you pull slow and steady, he will resist and pull against 
you, and may even attempt to throw himself down; this 
you will avoid by giving a quick pull, and letting loose in- 
stantly. As soon as he will yield and come round promptly, 
get on the other side and repeat in the same manner, until 
he will follow you readily on either side without pulling. 
Be careful not to pull ahead until there is prompt submis- 
sion sidewise. You can then gradually pull a little more on 
a line with the body until the colt will come promptly in 
any direction, to the slightest pull upon the halter. If the 
colt is of a quick, gentle disposition, he will soon learn this 
lesson thoroughly; but if very young, or of a slow, sulky 
disposition, great resistance is likely to be shown for some 
time. If the resistance is very obstinate or reckless in 
character, you may resort to the simple course of sttbjection, 
which will soon compel obedience. This you have been 
taught how to do ; if there is not prompt obedience to the 
second method, (being careful not to tie too short,) resort to 
the fii'st, then again to the second, until submissive. 

When there is submission you should encourage by ap- 
pealing to the affections. Rub the head and neck, and give 
presents of something of which fond, until all excitement 
and irritation subside. The eye will gradually grow mild 
in expression, and there will be an apparent indifference to 
being handled. A coarse, harsh or loud voice is terribly 
irritating to a sensitive or spirited horse or colt, and must 
by all means be held in check. Speak in a gentle natural 
tone, softened by kind expression, which will do much 
toward securing the confidence of the animal and repressing 
his fear. With some colts it will be necessary to repeat the 
lesson in leading two or three times, to ensure prompt 
obedience. 

HITCHING. 

When the colt will lead kindly and promptly, he may 
Qext be taught to stand hitched. To prevent his learning 
to pull at the halter, take a piece of strong cord, about a 
third of an inch in diameter, twenty-two feet long; double 
it, and place the centre under the tail; bring both ends 



48 BITTING. 

forward, cross and twist them three or four times over the 
back, knot them in front of the breast, and pass them 



Hitching. 

through the ring of the halter and tie to the manger or post. 
Hitch in this way until the colt refuses to pull back, even 
if frightened a little ; after learning to submit in this manner, 
which he will soon learn to do, he will stand hitched by 
the common form of halter. 

BITTING 

Is the next step in educating the colt, and implies teaching 
the colt to submit to the restraint and control of the bit, 
giving as much style to the carriage of the head and neck 
as the form and temper of the animal will bear. Put on a 
common bridle with a smooth snaffle bit, without reins, and 
allow him to go as he pleases, in a yard or field, for half an 
hour or more, which may be repea,ted once or twice, to 
make the mouth accustomed to and hardened to the bit. 
Next put on a surcingle with check and side reins, buckling 
the reins at first so long as to bring but little restraint upon 
the mouth. After being on thirty or forty minutes, take it 
off. At each repetition buckle the reins a little shorter, 
until the head is submitted up and back freely to the check. 
It seems needless to introduce details of a bitting harness. 
Any simple construction of the ordinary kind will answer 
very well, and the style is so generallv understood that a 



BITTING THE COLT. 



49 



description here is unnecessary. The object being to bring 
such restraint upon the bit that the head will be held up 
and back most natural and easily, without giving freedom 
to the head except in the direction of the reins. Care 
should be taken to have the throat latch so loose, that there 
will be no pressure of it upon the throat when checked up. 




Bitting the Colt. 

The gag-runners should be well up near the ears. Care 
must be taken not to bring too much restraint upon the bit 
by buckling the reins so short at first, as to endanger causing 
the colt to throw himself over backwards and break his 
neck. It is bad policy to keep a colt checked up too long 
at a time, as it becomes tiresome, which would cause a 
resting of the head upon the bit and thus form the disagree- 
able habit of lugging. If, however, the colt should fight the 
restraint of the bit or check, it should be left on till the fit 
exhausts itself and he shows a disposition to submit to its 
restraint. 

Short lessons at first, and gradually keeping on longer as 
the mouth becomes hardened by the bit and the colt will 
bear it without fatigue, is the best course. 

After the usual course of checking up in this manner, 
3 



50 DRIVING IN HARNESS. 

take a piece of cord about eight or ten feet in length, of the 
common sash or clothes line size, as strong and pliable as 
you can find. Tie a large hard knot in one end, and about 
twenty inches from this knot make another tie, passing the 
knot end around the neck as near the shoulder as possible. 
Pass the other end of the cord through both rings of the 
bit, back of the jaw and back through the loop around the 
neck, and draw up the slack. Now stand in front of the 
head, holding the cord tightly with both hands; give a 
quick, short pull down and back, which will cause the head 
to be thrown up and back. Repeat, until the head is given 
up and back freely at the slightest pull. Now, when the 
reins are attached to the bit and pulled upon^ the restraint 
is precisely the same as before; and after repeating this 
lesson a few times, the head will be freely submitted to the 
control of the bit, and a beautiful carriage of the head 
secured, even without a check. 

DRIVING- IN HARNESS. 

I would say here in this connection, that there is an 
almost unaccountable stupidity exhibited in the usual 
method of training colts. There is the greatest care taken 
not to frighten by having the heels touched for fear of ex- 
citing resistance ; whereas, this is the very point that should 
be accomplished most thoroughly in the first place. The 
hinder parts should be broken, as it is term, until there is no 
fear of being touched by anything. This is the first point 
I look to and accomplish most perfectly, safely and quickly 
by my second course of subjection, and which is one of the 
real secrets of my success in driving wild or kicking colts 
so quickly to shafts without breeching. Look to this point 
in the first place, then teach the colt to summit to the gui- 
dance and control of tbe bit, and you accomplish by two 
movements, quicker and better, what it takes so long, and 
is done so unreliable by the usual course of treatment. 

When the colt is gentle and taught to submit the head to 
the bit, the next step should be to teach submission to the 
guidance and control of the bit with reins. I would state 
here that if the colt is well bitted, submitting the head to 
being checked high, there will not be much inclination to 
kick or resist, hence, the custom of putting on a bitting 



HITCHING THE COLT TO POLES. 51 

harness on a wild colt, checking the head up tightly. This 
treatment will work well in most cases; being a powerful 
means of subjection, the majority of colts or those not very 
bad, will work to harness quite well by checking up tightly 
for a while. Colts of a sulky, plucky nature are liable to 
resist it, and throw themselves over backwards. If the 
back part of the head should strike the ground heavy in 
thus falling, there is great danger of the animal being 
killed, as the back part of the head under where the bridle 
and halter comes, is where the first bone of the cervical 
vertebrae (atlas) unites to the head or oxipital; an appa- 
rently very slight concussion or injury at this point will 
break the neck and destroy life. This must not be 
hazarded, and besides it is needlessly cruel. The course I 
advise in the first place, enables making the colt perfectly 
gentle with perfect safety in a few minutes, enabling, if even 
desired, putting the colt in harness and driving with perfect 
safety, especially if the precaution is taken of driving 
around a few minuutes in harness before attaching to 
wagon; but if the greatest certainty is desired at the 
expense of a little patient care, subject to the mild course 
of bitting in addition, but little more is necessary to do 
than drive him in harness a few minutes, turning right and 
left, and stopping until obedient, when he can be easily 
driven to shafts. 

The proper course is to put on the harness with smooth 
snafile bit in bridle, tie the tugs into the breeching, run the 
reins through the shaft lugs instead of the terrets, now get- 
ting directly behind the colt you can easily rein and keep 
him before you in driving until obedient and gentle to 
reins. Of course there must be patience and care in pro- 
portion to the temper and natural resistance shown until 
successful. 

HITCHING THE COLT TO POLES. 

If the colt is at all uncertain, it will be policy to work 
slowly and carefully, as one mismove while attached to a 
wagon might cause damage to wagon and injury to the colt. 
The simplest, cheapest and surest plan of teaching the colt to 
become safe in shafts, is to drive first in poles. Get three 
SLENDER POLES, two of them about twelve feet long each, 
the third about seven feet in length. Lay down the poles 



52 HITCHING THE COLT TO POLES. 

small ends forward in the form of shafts, about twenty 
inches spart, the back ends about six feet apart. Lay the 
short piece across about six feet six inches to seven feet 
from the forward ends, and tie oh with pieces of cord. 
Hitch the colt into these poles, attaching the tugs to the 
cross piece by tying with cord, and drive around until there 
is perfect submission to them, guiding promptly to the reins 
and submitting to the poles striking the flanks or heels 
without exciting the least fear. But in the early driving of 
colts, great care must be used not to force too freely to 
back, as this may cause the habit of backing too freely, 
turning around and running back from the slightest causes 
of fear of anything in advance, in driving to wagon or 
sulky,- Great care should be taken not to drive the colt 
too much at first, and at no time sufficient to produce 
exhaustion. Neither should his strength be taxed too much 
by drawing heavy loads, until he ha,s become accustomed 
to the noise and restraint of the wagon and learned to use 
his strength as required. Let his drives be moderate at first, 
both in gait and distance ; gradually increasing the dista.nce 
as he will bear without fatigue. After learning to walk well, 
let him trot a little, gradually letting him out faster and a 
little farther, as smooth pieces of road give opportunity; 
restrict these little outbursts of speed at first to the limits 
of a few rods. Let him dash out a short distance, then 
gradully slacken to a walk, speaking kindly and en- 
couragingly. After a while, let him out again, pushing, 
perhaps, a little faster and farther, being careful not to 
crowd to breaking. It must not be expected because your 
colt is perhaps a good mover, that he will be a fast trotter. 
But if he does show a loose open gait, do not by any means 
spoil him by attempting too much at first. There is usually 
too much anxiety to try a colt's speed and bottom, and he 
is often pushed, overdone, and spoiled perhaps, before his 
powers are half developed. 

A colt must not be crowded too much in educating to 
harness. He cannot be expected to submit quietly to the 
irritation and excitement of harness and wagon, or drive 
like an old horse, without experience and practice. He 
must grow into the position as it is were, and a reasonable 
patience and effort is necessary to ensure this. The great 
trouble with most people in training colts is, they attempt 



DOUBLE DRIVING BACKING RIDING. 53 

too much, and thus make haste slowly. The quickest and 
surest course is that I give. It will always enable working 
a colt safely at most in a few hours. 

DOUBLE DRIVIJSTG. 

It is generally the custom to drive the colt at first in 
double harness by the side of a gentle horse aecustomed to 
harness ; the colt should be put on the off side. The whip 
should be held over the old horse, to keep him up to the 
movements of the colt in starting, but the gait should be 
kept moderate. 

After driving well on the off side, he should be reversed 
to the near side, there being less danger of becoming 
frightened from getting into or out of the wagon, or of 
seeing things while being passed to or from the wagon, by 
being more from view on the off side, therefore to lessen 
the probabilities of being frightened, it is preferable at first. 

Let the driving be moderate, and the load light, and, by 
all means, if the colt is of a sensitive or nervous tempera- 
ment, the greatest mildness must be observed. Loud 
''yelling" or cracking of the whip should not be permitted. 
A little imprudence of this kind is often the cause of very 
serious mischief with timid, young horses. 

BACKING. 

After learning to drive well, teach the idea of backing by 
pulling on the reins steadily, and saying ''back." If there 
is resistance give a quick, sharp, raking pull, which will move 
the colt by the pain and force of the bit backward, repeat- 
ing until there is prompt obedience. If there is much 
resistance put on breaking bit, which will soon secure 
obedience, but under any curcumstances do not make the 
colt back too freely, especially if the mouth is sensitive. 

RIDING-. 

If the colt is not of a very bad character there will be no 
resistance to being rode after the first lesson of subjection. 
If there is, attach a short strap or a piece of rope to the off 
fore foot, throwing the othet end over the back. Take a 




54 RIDING. 

short hold of this strap with the right hand, while the left 
grasps the near rein of the bridle firmly. As the head is 
pulled around, the horse is made to step sidewise, and the 
instant the foot is relaxed it is held up by the restraint of 
the right hand on t?ie strap, which is instantly drawn upon. 
The colt is now on three legs, 
and unable to resist. Jump 
lightly on the back, press the 
feet against the belly and flanks. 
As there is submission release 
the foot, taking a firm hold of 
the reins, which should be held 
short. Move the colt forward, 
and as there is an indication of ^^ 
resistance pull upon the strap 
and reins, which will disable and 
disconcert the horse from further (Mounting the Colt.) 

opposition to being rode. If the colt will not move for- 
ward, request an assistant to lead him by the head for a 
short time. So long as there is any indication of resistance, 
keep on the strap. One thorough lesson is usually suffi- 
cient, though some colts may require a repetition of the 
lesson. 

When it is desired to mount, let the left hand rest lightly 
on the mane, a little forward of the withers, holding the 
reins between the thumb and fingers. Throw the right 
hand lightly on the back, the body close to the horse. 
Now spring lightly upward and forward. The instant of 
doing so, let the right hand glide forward until the elbow 
strikes the back bone, when the weight of the body is to be 
instantly balanced upon the right arm, which will enable 
sufficient strength to make the spring continuous, and the 
body is easily brought into a sitting posture. This is slight 
undertaking, and a little practice will give the ability to 
mount the highest horses with apparently wonderful ease. 
To mount on a saddle, stand by the side, a little back of 
the stirrup, the face towards the horse's head. Take a short 
hold of the reins between the fingers, grasping into the 
mane at the same time, put the left foot into the stirrup, 
throw the right hand over the saddle and press it against 
the off side, throwing the weight of the body on the left 
foot, and you can lift yourself into the saddle easily. 



HANDLING THE COLT's FEET. 55 

HANDLING THE COLT'S FEET. 

If the colt is of an ordinary good disposition this can be 
done without resorting to special means. Stand well up to 
the shoulder, put the left hand on the shoulder, pressing 
forward gently, which will relax the muscles controlling the 
leg, with the right hand, instantly grasp the foot below the 
fetlock and lift it up, removing the left hand and bring 
under the foot to aid the right hand. To handle the hind 
feet, let the right hand glide gently from the shoulders back 
to the hip. At the instant it passes the point of the hip, . 
bring the left forward upon the hip. While doing this, the 
right hand is being glided down the leg gently, until it 
strikes the fetlock, when the left hand should be pressed 
firmly against the body at the point stated, which will relax 
the limb, and the foot can be easily brought up by the right, 
the left is lowered and passed down the limb on the back 
part of the fetlock. Or the foot can be raised and lowered 
a few times with the right hand, while the left balances the 
body by pressing against the hip until there is perfect 
submission. 

If there is resistance, take up the fore foot, request an 
assistant to hold it up for you, while he at the same time 
holds the colt by the halter or bridle. Tie the end of a 
rope or strap around the hind foot, above the fetlock, at the 
instant of doing which let the hand glide along to the oppo- 
site part, until six or eight feet from the foot. At the same 
time request the forward foot to be let loose, the assistant 
holding by the halter. Now pull upon the strap, which 
will bring the foot forward, and at the instant of attempting 
to kick, let go, and so repeat until the foot is submitted to 
the restraint of strap. Then slip behind and pull the foot 
back, and as before yielding at each effort to kick, let go, 
until the foot is submitted freely. Now take the foot from 
the control of the strap to the hand and handle gently. 

If there is very determined resistance, tie the end of your 
long strap around the neck, near the shoulders, pass the 
other end back between the fore legs, around the hind foot, 
but under the strap around the neck, and draw up on it, at 
the same time holding him by the bridle or halter. The 
colt may be frightened and jump to get clear of the res- 
traint. Should he act very much frightened, slack up on 



56 HANDLING THE COLT S FEET. 

the Strap until the foot is almost back to its natural posi- 
tion. Then as he will bear, again pull a little shorter, at 
the same time pulling him round in a circle by the head, 
until he ceases struggling to get the foot loose. You may 
now pull the foot farther forward, and hold it as before, 
until he will stand quietly. Nov/ step back a little and pass 
the hand down the hind leg. Slap the hand upon the leg 
a little until there is no resistance, then take it in the hands. 
If there is no resistance, undo the end of the strap and 
allow the foot a little more freedom; at the same time while 
holding the foot by the strap, pass the hand from the hip 
down the leg quietly, rubbing and caressing imtil able to 
take it in the hands. 

Handle the opposite leg in the same manner, until there 
is perfect submission. Should the colt resist having the 
feet handled with much determination, or prove very 
vicious, the regular subjective treatment will be necessary. 
Those of a wildish mustang disposition are the most obsti- 
nate; there is once in a while one of this class that will call 
for pretty thorough and patient treatment to make gentle. 
They are not only so plucky, but so strong and enduring 
that they are disposed to resist control of the feet at all 
hazards. It is of great importance that colts are treated 
with great kindness; giving apples, a little oats, etc., after 
submitting the feet or being otherwise handled, as the real 
cause of trouble is fear, and winning the confidence by a 
little flattery in this way has a powerful effect in disconcert- 
ing the attention and winning the confidence, and thus of 
teaching obedience. All this is now so easily done when 
necessary by the ordinary subjective course, that it seems 
needless to dwell on minor conditions and details ; you 
must bear in mind that bad cases call for a little work and 
patience, and that you must be not only thorough, but pru- 
dent, to be successful. 



EXCESSIVE FEAR-CAUSES AND TREAT- 
MENT OF. 




.<r<^^trr^W 



Fear requires more than a passing notice. It is the cause, 
or principle one, of the most dangerous and difficult habits 
to break up, showing a disease of the mind, or mania, and 
as such its consideration is at the foundation of the princi- 
pal bad habits to which horses are subject. Fear causes the 
colt to resist control, to kick, run away, resist an umbrella, 
robe, cars, and all unusual" objects and sounds. These 
marked derangements are often the result of causes in 
themselves of a trifling character. 

Thus, a colt is suddenly excited by the appearance of an 
umbrella, and it is afterwards an object of terror to him. A 
horse may be driven for months, or even years, but at some 
unlooked-for moment the breeching perhaps breaks, allowing 
the shafts or cross-pieces to strike the heels, perhaps causing 
the unsuspecting animal to spring, kick and run away. 
The impression by this one act makes a wagon an object of 
terror, and he refuses contact with it afterwards, and thus 
3* 



68 EXCESSIVE FEAR. 

through all the ramifications of character, the same in- 
tensity of fear and resistance is shown to a greater or less 
degree, in proportion to the sensibility of the animal and 
the intensity of impression made upon the mind. The in- 
tensity of the impression may be even so great as to destroy 
life. Several instances of such a fatal result have been 
brought to my notice. In Ligonier, Ind., a few years ago, 
a fine horse dropped dead from excessive fear of the cars. 
Such an occurrence took place in Chicago a few years since, 
and during the burning of that city one such instance has 
been authenticated. 

All impressions, it is supposed, are made upon a series of 
concentric nerves in a certain location of the brain, called 
ganglige, which retain and throw them off by reflex action 
under like circumstances. Being of a primary character, 
when excessive in strength, they subvert and control the 
reason, and thus the character is strongly marked, if not 
controlled by them. 

Hence the many instances of insane fear and resistance 
resulting from being once frightened. 

I could refer to many instances of such insanity coming 
under my own observation. A bay mare, owned in Green 
Castle, Pa., in 1865, was entirely fearless of all objects but 
a robe, the appearance of which would make her furious. 
When seen at a distance of thirty feet, she became so reck- 
less as to break away from all restraint, plunged against a 
heavy door, breaking it down, and ran away. When brought 
back, I took her in hand. When shown even a corner of 
the robe at a distance of twenty feet, she would plunge, 
squeal, strike and kick in the most reckless manner. The 
shock to her nervous system was so great that I feared she 
would not bear it, and it was only by the most careful treat- 
ment I was able in forty minutes to bring it near and throw it 
upon her, and ultimately she did not care anything about it. 
When in Cleveland, an interesting case of this character, 
owned by Dr. Keegan, was brought me. Many years before, 
when standing in the street, the Vv^ind blew a blanket from 
the horse's back, falling under him, and it so frightened him 
that ever afterwards a blanket could not be brought near 
him. This horse was entirely fearless of all other objects, 
could be driven up to cars, but a blanket was to him an 
object of the greatest terror, resisting its appearance by 



EXCESSIVE FEAR. 59 

kicking, striking and even squealing, in his phrenzy to get 
away from it. With a little care I succeeded in breaking 
up the impression so effectually, that he allowed a blanket 
on him afterwards. We see, in all cases, that excessive 
feat is excited by forcing or bringing the object to notice 
too quickly or unexpectedly, causing so intense an excite- 
ment of the fears as to derange the understanding. If, in 
the first place, these derangements are the result of shocking 
the nervous system by the suddenness and violence of the 
impression, the prevention of such derangements can be 
secured by bringing objects and sounds liable to excite, to 
notice slowly; and, second, in overcoming them, that 
there is power to control physical resistance at will, to 
enable convincing the reason of the harmless character of 
the object or sound. The feelings become blunted by the 
presence or repeated contact with the object or sound. The 
greatest causes of danger cease to attract notice by familiar- 
ity with them. The family living on a by-road in the 
country, who would notice every one going by in their 
isolated position, in a city where people pass almost con- 
stantly, would soon become unmindful of even greater 
causes of excitement. The principle is the same with 
horses. Hence, omnibus, hack or other horses that are 
almost constantly in the vicinity of the cars soon become 
unmindful of them, the exception being those of a very 
sensitive character, or by being greatly frightened at first. 
Hence, military horses that are forced to submit to the 
firing of small arms, cannons, drums, etc., soon become 
regardless of such excessive noises and excitement, and 
soon become perfectly gentle and obedient to control 
under such circumstances. It is common, too, for horses 
that are very sensitive in the country when subjected to the 
constant bewildering excitement of a city to become as un- 
mindful of what is passing around them, as others accus- 
tomed to use in such a locality. The change of character, 
too, that may be produced by proper subjective treatment, is 
remarkable, many marked proofs of which I have illustrated 
in my own practice. To one marked case I will here refer : 
In October, 1868, a six year old horse, owned by A. 
Smawley, of Petroleum Centre, Pa., was brought to me for 
treatment. This horse was of so remarkably wild and des- 
perate a character that he was known by the name of 



60 TREATMENT OF FEAR. 

''Wild Pete." He would scringe and jump at the least 
touch or appearance of anything sttangej he would not 
stand to be cleaned, could not be harnessed, and to attempt 
putting him in shafts would excite the utmost desperation, 
jumping and kicking clear of restraint at all hazards. He 
was one of the most desperate acting horses of the kind I 
ever saw. Indeed, anything touching him behind, even a 
touch of a whip, would make him jump and kick regardless 
of consequences. Yet, after subjecting him to two ener- 
getic lessons of less than an hour each, I could drive him 
to my buggy with perfect safety, and he could not be made 
to kick or resist control. So perfectly docile did he 
become, that he was let for driving in the livery, and has 
proved a very superior and safe carriage horse. As a rule, 
however, constitutionally timid horses yield slowly, and 
require careful as well as thorough treatment. I could refer 
to many interesting illustrations of this character did space 
permit. 

The rule should be, not to excite the mind excessively 
from any cause, and to gradually, as the animal will bear, 
bring the object to notice, at the same time associating with 
such causes of fear the greatest kindness by giving presents 
of anything of which fond. 

If there is much resistance or danger, physical control is 
to be made undoubtedly by the course of subjection, hold- 
ing your point until perfectly successful, repeating the 
treatment until all resistance ceases. The better to give a 
practical understanding of details, I will include in this 
connection the treatment in accustoming to a few of the 
most common objects of fear, which will enable an under- 
standing of the treatment necessary for anything else. 

A KOBE. 

While held under careful restraint, let the robe be brought 
up gently to the colt's nose. After smelling and feeling of 
it in his own way until satisfied, rub it gently against the 
head, neck and body, the way the hair lies, as he will bear. 
Then stand off a little and throw it across the back, over 
the neck and head, gradually stepping farther, until you can 
throw the robe upon him as you please. Repeat the lesson 
several times. 



TREATMENT OF FEAR. 61 

AN UMBRELLA OR PARASOL. 

While holding the colt by the halter or bridle, as may be 
necessary, bring the umbrella to his nose gently, rub it 
against the head, neck and body, as he will bear, spreading 
it a little, repeating the process of rubbing, and so continue 
gaining little by little, until you can raise the umbrella over 
the head, and pass it around the animal as you please, 
without exciting fear or resistance. 

SOUND OF A GUN. 

First, commence by snapping caps a short distance from 
the horse, gradually, as he will bear, approaching nearer, 
until you can snap caps while the gun is resting upon the 
back, over the head, etc. Then put in a little powder, and 
at each repetition increase the charge until you can fire off 
a heavy load without exciting fear. 

RAILROAD CARS. 

Let the animal see them at rest, then gradually lead or 
drive him up to them, even to smelling them with his nose. 
Now, as you have an opportunity, drive the horse around 
while they are moving, working up nearer as you can, and 
at the same time turning him around so that he can see and 
hear them from different directions. This lesson should be 
often repeated, being careful not to crowd beyond what the 
colt will easily bear, until they cease to attract his serious 
attention. 

OBJECTS EXCITING FEAR ^/VHILE RIDING 
OR DRIVING. 

Should the horse show fear of a stone or stump, or any- 
thing of the kind, he will naturally stop and stare at the 
object in an excited manner. Should the cause of fear be 
great and sudden, he may attempt to turn round and run 
away. This is to be guarded against, by sitting well for- 
ward on the seat, and taking a short hold of the reins, at 
the same time speaking calmly and encouragingly to the 
horse. Bear in mind the horse has a great advantage over 
you, that his excitement is liable to precipitate his whole 



62 TREATMENT OF FEAR. 

Strength against you at the least sense of freedom, or addi- 
tional cause of excitement; that once resisting control in 
this position, he will try to do so again at all hazards, under 
like circumstances. 

Speak encouragingly to the horse, but keep a close watch 
upon his actions. In a short time the extent of his alarm 
will not only be perceptibly lessened, but he will become 
calmer, and almost disregard the object. Then drive nearer 
as he will bear, exercising the same patience and care. At 
each effort to get nearer, the horse will become apparently 
as much frightened as at first. Keep pushing a little at a 
time in this way, as the horse will bear, until you can drive 
up to the object, or by it, and you not only leave no bad 
impression upon the mind, but gradually overcome the dis- 
position to become frightened. 

Sometimes a horse will dislike a wheelbarrow, baby wa- 
gon, turkeys, etc., but the treatment is the same. When 
the excitement is not so great as to endanger successful 
resistance, and the horse is disposed to "play off, or sol- 
dier," it may be advisable to apply the whip a little sharply, 
but this is to be avoided when it is seen the resistance is 
wholly induced by fear, and the animal is not lazy. 

Some horses while driven to carriages, will not bear the 
noise and excitement of other horses being driven up be- 
hind. This is principally on account of the horse's inability 
to see and understand the cause of the excitement, or it 
may be owing to the fault of the driver. Some one drives 
up rapidly behind, perhaps wishes to ''go by," to prevent 
which the colt is hallooed at and whipped up to prevent 
such a result. This may be repeated a few times, and the 
consequence is, if a spirited horse, the habit is acquired of 
rushing ahead to avoid the punishment expected under such 
circumstances, and verjf often, too, a horse is forced into 
this habit by being run into from behind. 

CJSINQ BLINDERS. 

It must be remembered that the blinders in general use 
so cover up the eyes as to make it impossible for the horse 
to see things plainly sidewise, or at all from behind, which 
tends to increase the fear, as we are convinced, when we 
see that to overcome the animal's fear of any object, the 



TREATMENT OF FEAR. 63 

first and most obvious point is to give him an understand- 
ing of its appearance and character. Blinders are admissible 
only when there is a desire to conceal the defects of a large 
head, and to cause a naturally lazy horse to drive steadily, 
by preventing him from seeing when the whip is about to 
be applied. 

MUST SEE THE OBJECT FKOM DIFFEKENT 
POSITIONS. 

It is one of the peculiarities of the horse to understand 
and be reconciled to an object or cause of excitement only 
from its position and circumstances as brought to his 
notice. This seems to be on account of the horse's rea- 
soning powers being so limited as to be unable to retain 
the same understanding of the object beyond the position 
from which it is brought to notice. 

Every progressive change of position requires almost the 
same care and patience as that preceding. For example, 
if in teaching a horse to submit to an umbrella, if it were 
shown only from the near side, upon carrying it to the off 
side, would inspire nearly as much fear as at first from the 
near side, or there may be an aversion to some particular 
object, or resistance may be inspired only under certain 
circumstances. You may succeed in getting a colt gentle 
to be rode from the near ride, but an attempt to mount him 
from the off side, would in all probability be resisted. 

If a horse is afraid of an umbrella while in harness, he 
may be taught to care nothing about it out of harness, but 
if not taught to feel and understand its character in harness, 
would be apt to be as much frightened at it in that position, 
as if he knew nothing about it. 

This seems to puzzle many well-meaning men, and is 
often the cause of much disappointment. 

A horse that is afraid of an umbrella, is brought forward 
to illustrate the management of such habits. In a short 
time the horse will bear the umbrella over and around him 
in any manner, without seeming to care anything about it. 
The owner is pleased with the belief that his horse is bro- 
ken, when in harness at some future time, he raises an 
umbrella behind the animal, and is astonished to find him 
almost as bad as ever, and he is disappointed. But when 



64 TREATMENT OF FEAR. 

it is seen in the first place that it is often necessary to 
repeat the treatment, that expecting the animal to be broken 
of the habit by a single indirect lesson, only tends to defeat 
success. For without ability to control the horse, every 
attempt to force upon him the object of aversion only 
inspires greater resistance, because taught to a still greater 
degree to resist control, and a sense of freedom always tends 
to increase the animal's fear of the object. Now the efforts 
of the owner to control the horse directly in a position of 
so great disadvantage, may produce exactly this result, and 
then from an ignorance of the cause of failure, believes it is 
impossible to overcome the habit. 

The lesson must be repeated, as long as may be necessary 
to the end of perfect success, or the horse once excited is 
liable to drift back to being almost as bad as before. 



SUBJECTION. 



Educating horses successfully, implies showing and teach- 
ing what is required to be done in such a plain, practical 
manner, that the horse is made to understand clearly what 
to do. This implies showing by actions, when he does 
right or wrong, restraining or reproving for resistance or 
doing wrong, and caressing and rewarding for doing right, 
repeating with patience until the animal can understand the 
meaning and object of his restraint, that he is not to be 
hurt and only required to do what he is commanded. This 
is an absolutely necessary condition, as horses do not 
understand articulated language, and cannot understand 
what to do unless shown. Hence, we caress and reward 
by giving something to eat of which the animal is fond, 
learning him to associate kindness and freedom from pain,' 
by yielding obedient to demands made upon him. But it 
is seen all horses are not gentle enough to be approached 
and handled to enable doing this. That a man has not 
strength enough to control or restrain a wild or vicious 
horse with any degree of safety or certainty. To make 
such so gentle and submissive to control, that they can be 
safely and easily handled and educated, constitutes the 
science of subjection. 

EXCITEMENT NOT ADMISSIBLE. 

There is one law in the subjection of horses requiring 
special attention, and that is, that the more excitement 
caused in forcing obedience, the greater and more persis- 
tent must be the resistance. The object being now to fix 
upon the mind such an impression of power as to make the 
animal passive to control; at the same time not only 
intensifying the impression by such treatment as will cause 
the most pain, in exact proportion to the resistance made, 
but appealing to the reason and better part of the nature as 
directly and forcibly by acts of kindness ; but if in doing 
this the passions are excited, proportionate resistance must 
result, which may, in the more plucky peculiarities of 



66 SUBJECTION. 

disposition, endanger breaking down the animal to over- 
come ; and even though there is submission to force, there 
is likely to be renewed resistance after the exhaustion, or 
the animal becomes cool, unless the better nature is imme- 
diately won into cooperation of the efforts by kind encour- 
aging treatment. Hence, when it is desired to bring all 
the powers of the animal into play, we see the blood is 
warmed up either by stimulants or exercise. 

Trotting horses are exercised before racing; if animals 
desired to fight are not in the mood, they are provoked 
until excited; men who are under the influence of liquor, 
or from any cause are excited, would fight with a reckless- 
ness they could not be induced to do when sober and the 
blood cool, consequently there must and will be increased 
resistance to the degree, the bad part of the nature is 
excited. 

This is what Rarey and others tried to accomplish and 
evade by the different methods introduced, of controlling 
horses such as lever bits, checking the head high, tying up 
one or both legs and throwing the horse down. That 
shown by Rarey (disabling and throwing) being the simplest 
and valued most highly, the object being to exhibit physical 
power to the mind, but if the horse happened to be of a 
sulky, stubborn disposition, passively submitting to the 
force to which subjected, the impression of power would 
not be adequate, and if very vicious could not be made 
sufficiently positive to ensure anything like uniform success, 
especially in the breaking up of such habits as balking, 
kicking, running away, etc. 

Were it admissible to subdue horses by lowering their 
strength, success would be easy, as this can be and often is 
done by any of the following means, such as bleeding, phy- 
sicking, want of sleep, violent exercise, pain, starving, want 
of water, etc., that will lower the strength and depress the 
energies, will accomplish the same end. 

CHILIAN- AND SOUTH AMERICAN- METHODS. 

It is on this principle that the people of South America 
break horses; they catch the wild horse with the lasso, 
throw him to the ground, saddle and bridle him, then ride 
the animal with whip and spur until exhausted and submis- 



CHILIAN AND SOUTH AMERICAN METHODS. 67 

sive, they then square off the ends of the hair of the tail to 
indicate that the horse is broken, and again turn him loose. 
The Indians on our western plains practice the same plan. 
The Chilians tie the refractory horse in the stall and apply 
the whip right and left until he lies down or falls down 
from weakness; the horse is then tried, and if refractory 
the process is continued until he becomes gentle. The 
same process is practiced by certain traveling horsemen in 
this country; turning the wild or green colt loose in a small 
enclosure and applying the whip until submissive. Of 
course a horse must be whipped terribly to force obedience 
in this way, and in the treatment of some is liable to sour 
and spoil the temper. The farmer has learned that if he 
can tire and exhaust a colt he is much less sensitive, not 
likely to kick or attempt resisting control. Horses that are 
worked hard or after a hard journey are much less sensitive 
or excitable than after being idle for some time. The 
exceptions being (for there are exceptions) those of pecu- 
liarly excitable, hardy nature, that seem to increase in 
energy as they are warmed up. 

The usual course in this country is to put the harness on 
the green colt, after perhaps being bitted by checking up 
tightly, which is repeated a few times. The colt is 
attached by the side of a gentle horse, allowed to go and 
wear in to becoming accustomed to the harness and obe- 
dient to the control of the bit. The excitement and 
possible resistance induced by this course without adequate 
ability to control by the reins or bit, leads to the many 
habits of balking, kicking, running away, fear, etc., in har- 
ness. Should the animal become frightened or resist 
violently without adequate precaution or power to prevent 
resistance, some one of the many bad habits to which 
horses are subject is produced. These results, it is seen, I 
can easily prevent and overcome by my treatment, which 
enables accomplishing the end desired in the simplest, most 
practical and humane manner, thereby enabling me to con- 
trol even almost at will, horses of the most vicious and des- 
perate character. 



68 SUBJECTION. '' . 

IMPRESSION UPON THE BKAIN. 

As it is the impression that is made directly upon the 
mind that controls and moves the animal; it is not only 
necessary to control the animal at will, showing exactly 
what is required to be done, but that the cooperation of 
the better part of the nature is won by the kindest and 
most encouraging treatment, and which constitutes the 
next most powerful lever of making horses docile and man- 
ageable. Indeed, a proper application of the efforts with 
the advantage only of kind, encouraging treatment will 
enable of itself to show very successful results, and is abso- 
lutely indispensable in the treatment of sensitive or 
naturally wild horses. I show not only just how to 
guide and control the horse to any extreme desired, but 
hold this control with scarcely an effort, by encouraging 
obedience through the feelings in the most powerful 
manner. Now throwing or any of the treatment in gen- 
eral use will not enable this with any certainty; but throw- 
ing is a valuable auxiliary, and properly done, enables 
creating a very strong impression upon the mind of some 
horses. I will here give the details of the proper method of 
doing it. 

First, have made a strong leather surcingle, long enough 
to go around the body of the horse, to which have attached 
a strong back strap and crouper. On the off side of the 
surcingle, about eight inches from the back, have a two- 
inch ring; from this ring to the back strap at the hip have 
a strong double strap extend. Now put on this harness, 
which will be like a bitting harness. 

Next take a common hame strap, pass around the near 
fore leg and over the surcingle, buckling only short enough 
to allow the foot to come in a horizontal position, or the 
strap can be tied around the arm and foot. This done, 
take a cord eighteen or twenty feet long, of the strongest 
kind you can get, about ^ inch in size, if strong enough ; 
tie the end into a knot ; about twenty inches from this end 
make another simple knot, but do not draw it tight. Now 
pass this end over the neck, put the end knot through the 
tie, or other knot, and draw close. The object is to have 
the cord fit around the neck some distance from the head. 
Pass the other end of the cord through the ring in the side 



WORST HORSES. 



69 



of the surcingle ; at the same time let the cord at the other 
end extend through the mouth. When the cord is now 
drawn tight it will be seen to pass from the neck through 
the mouth back through the ring, and by pulling on the end 
held in the hand the head will be drawn to the side. The 
leg on the opposite side being tied up, when the cord is 
pulled upon the horse must roll over on his side. This plan 
will enable throwing a horse very easily, and will enable 
doing all that is possible to do by this principle of sub- 
jection. 

This principle of subjection does not work well in the 
control of horses of a naturally sulky, mulish disposition. 
Hence it will be found, balkers, very determined kickers, 
and especially those showing the positive reckless temper 
of the mustang nature, will resist it, and constitutes only 
one good step in exhibiting physical control, though not 
so reliable or effective as the other treatment (shown and 
illustrated in my lecture.) 

"WOKST HOUSES. 



The dull gray, bright 
sorrel, and nervous 
tempered black, and 
sometimes a bay, if 
showing much of the 
wild nature, will ex- 
hibit the most plucky 
resistance. If the 
eyes are small, set 
well into the head, 
ears long, inclined to 
lop back, head flat or 
nearly so between the 
ears, head rather nar- 
row and long, you will 
find if wild or vicious, 
the most determined 
resistance, usually acting very sulky and indifferent to the 
whip or other means of pain, as the blood becomes 
warmed up. 

The second course of subjection works best in the control 




Bad Disposition. 



70 



SUBJECTION. 



of this temperament. The first may be tried, but in the 
event of great resistance and the animal becoming very 
warm, give sufficient rest to permit the blood to become 
cool, when you will easily succeed by working carefully and 
thoroughly, encouraging obedience by kindness. 

The naturally sulky, wild, desperate disposition, very 
rare, but always shown by a middling large eye, well formed 
head and countenance; the ears are thrown back, the eye 

sullen, requires the 
most care and thor- 
oughness, and must 
not be hurried too 
much, and not at all 
if greatly warmed 
up, as such, under 
such circumstances, 
become intensely 
reckless. If kickers 
or balkers, perplex- 
ingly sullen and de- 
termined, passive 
treatment will en- 
able controlling such 
easily, always en- 
couraging all you 
can for obedience by caressing and giving presents of 
apples, oats, &c., &c., and above all, you are not on any 
condition, to stop as soon as the animal submits. Keep at 
work now, treating in the kindest manner until the nervous 
system becomes cool, and the horse is fully reconciled to 
your control. 

You are not to consider a horse broken because submis- 
sive to control after being handled once. Test carefully 
after getting cool, and if necessary, repeating until certain 
of success. 

Let me impress upon you here the necessity of being 
thorough. It is not by any means safe to be otherwise. 
Make it your business to do well what you attempt to do. 
A man of much less than ordinary ability can accomplish 
almost wonders by trying and being thorough. The man 
who will not try, and not only try, but be persevering, is 
not worthy of success. 




Sensitive and Flighty. 



WORST HORSES. 71 

The greatest cause of failure, will be want of care and 
patient perseverance. If we can force and win the obe- 
dience of a horse in a given time, that is the treatment 
to pursue to insure perfect success in the reformation of that 
animal. Like the doing of anything else, work enough 
must be done to secure the end aimed at with certainty. 
A horse may submit to control in the most perfect manner 
after a course of treatment, yet not be half broken. More 
or less repetition of the treatment, with careful, prudent, 
encouraging management will be necessary to insure that 
uniform success in the performance of this great duty, 
which its delicacy and importance demands. 



BREAKING HORSES, ETC, 



RUNNING- A^WAY. 

This habit may be induced by a great variety of causes — 
principally by becoming frightened in some way, though 
often by the horse learning to pull against the bit so hard as 
to defy control, and therefore at the least cause of irritation 
disposed to pull ahead and run away. When actuated by 
fear, the resistance is usually so sudden and violent as to 
induce a degree of resistance to the restraint of the bit we 
have not power to prevent or control. Sometimes, too, 
the horse will spring sidewise, or turn around in doing this, 
and will so learn the trick that at the least excitement he 
will spring into a sharp run. All this resistance, it is seen, 
results from defective training of the mouth, and is virtu- 
ally surmounted when able to force so great a degree of 
control by the bit as to break up all disposition to resist 
restraint when excited. 

Running away is a very serious and dangerous habit, and 
all such predisposition should be thoroughly broken up 
when manifested. If very bad, tone down resistance by 
subjecting the animal to a course of subjection; after which 
put on the breaking bit and force the most thorough sub- 
mission to the slightest restraint of the reins. 

Let this be very thoroughly done. Then hitch to wagon, 
making the horse stop whenever called upon or pulled upon 
by the reins, until there is no disposition to resist, though 
subjected to the greatest excitement, as there is once in a 
while a horse that will try with all the courage and pluck of 
desperation to run away after once learning the habit, and 
it is so important that the greatest docility and submission 
of the animal is in this position secured by the control of 
the bit. I will allude more especially to the details neces- 
sary to success. After the animal submits to the primary 
course of subjection and control by the bit is attempted, 



TURNING AROUND. 73 

work slow. Let the horse move on a slow walk at first. 
Call whoa sharply and instantly after surge with the quick- 
ness and energy of the crack of a whip, with the reins upon 
the mouth ; repeating and increasing the speed of the ani- 
mal as there is submission, making one point after another, 
until the animal can be put on a run and will stop instantly 
at command. Even then you are not to feel too sure of 
having accomplished your purpose. Test carefully when 
cool, and assure yourself of the most perfect submission and 
docility before incurring any risk. This is really the 
important point in assuring of success, not only in the 
breaking of horses of this character but in all others of a 
bad character. Some horses subject to this habit will yield 
readily to the use of the four ring bit. The foot-strap is 
also a valuable auxiliary, but the breaking bit is in advance 
of anything else in doing this. 

TUHNING AROUND. 

If the horse turns around, drive first with harness, whip 
up sharply, then make him stop, always pulling in the 
opposite direction from that the horse usually turns, until 
there is not only the most prompt obedience to the com- 
mands in going ahead, but ready submission to control, 
right or left, or in stopping, as may be required. Some- 
times the habit is contracted of pulling so hard on the bit 
as to resist control. In this case all that is necessary to do 
is to train the mouth once or twice with breaking bit, or 
use the four ring bit, and the habit will be broken up. If 
one rein is pulled upon, pull sharply on the opposite rein, 
and repeating at each indication of such a purpose until the 
head is yielded freely and evenly. 

In reviewing the common causes of this habit, we see 
that two objects must govern the efforts. First : To over- 
come or neutralize the exciting cause of resistance — usually 
some cause of fear. Second : To make the mouth perfectly 
submissive to the most delicate restraint of the bit ; it being 
essential that the exciting cause should be removed, while 
the power to control resistance must be increased. 

I will in this connection add, that there is no part of the 
training of horses which should be done more thoroughly, 
or tested more carefully, than this of teaching proper 
4 



74 RUNNING BACK, 

submission of the mouth to the bit. Yet I will venture to 
assert none is more imperfectly or ignorantly attempted ; 
and that the more experienced and intelligent horsemen 
should regard doing this difficult, when there is so much to 
indicate to the most ordinary observer the method of doing 
it with ease and certainty, seems strange. And yet, per- 
haps, this is not so strange, since it has been very much of 
a puzzle to do this at all, and really in its true aspect shows 
more real science than can be illustrated by any other fea- 
ture of my, treatment, since upon this must depend ulti- 
mately the readiness and success with which horses can be 
guided and controlled in harness. 

It is essential in training a horse well to the bit, that the 
idea is given correctly of submitting the head up and back 
when pulled upon. Also, that the horse should be made to 
understand exactly the meaning of every signal of guidance 
and restraint. In training the mouth, the exact idea can 
be conveyed by being particular in repeating the same kind 
of reproof, by pulling sharply whenever there is an attempt 
at pulling hard. There is soon not only .prompt obedience 
to restraint of the bit, but there is no disposition or confi- 
dence to resist control. Remember a horse cannot under- 
stand the object of such restraint^ if there is not uniformity 
of action and language. Yet most people talk to their 
horses in the most careless manner. If there is an intention 
of approaching a horse, the usual word is ''whoa! " In 
driving, when it is desired to make the horse go slow, 
''whoa" is the usual, word, and the consequence is the 
animal does not know what is meant by "whoa." Every 
action and word should have a special meanings and they 
should never conflict, that the understanding may not be 
confused. "Whoa" should be an imperative command to 
stop. To go slower requires the use of some other word. 
Even every motion of the whip should have a special mean- 
ing. If the horse is managed with care in this way, he 
becomes almost a machine, that yields submission to the 
slightest touch or word of command. 

RUNNING BACK. 

To break up this habit, there must be established a tho- 
rough fear of the whip, so as to induce going ahead when 



KICKING IN HARNESS. 75 

commanded. Put on harness, and tie the tugs into the 
rings of the breeching rather short. Drive around with the 
reins, giving a short cut with a good bow whip around the 
legs once in a while, if not prompt. As the horse learns to 
spring ahead when commanded, pull a little on the lines, 
gradually repeating until he will pull quite hard on the bit 
to go ahead. Make this as thorough as possible. In 
driving repeat and carry out this, going ahead promptly, 
whipping up sharply once in a while if necessary. 

The main point to make with horses of this character, is 
to create a thorough fear of the whip. To do this well while- 
driving with harness, whip around the hind legs sharply, 
until the horse will start ahead promptly when commanded. 
Now, attach to wagon and gradually work up with whip 
until there is prompt obedience. The foot strap may be 
put on if there is any possible danger of the horse running 
back when hitched. 

KICKING I]Sr HAKKTESS. 

This is apparently the most dangerous and difficult habit 
to overcome, to which horses are subject ; yet it is a habit 
that yields readily to my treatment, but requires care and 
thoroughness and a large share of common sense in deter- 
mining how much must be done and when to stop. This 
cannot be learned by any fixed rule, since there is such a 
great difference of extremes shown in this habit that it is 
not safe to venture a limit of what and how much must be 
done. I have often broken horses of kicking, of apparently 
the worst character, in twenty or thirty minutes. Then 
again, one scarcely confirmed in the habit may require very 
much more time ; and a few extreme cases, of apparently a 
mild character when not excited, would call out all my 
resources for hours, to make the subject yield safely to con- 
trol. I broke a horse in Maine of the worst character, of 
kicking, by a few pulls upon the war bridle. At all events, 
the owner informed me, months afterwards, that the animal 
remained perfectly docile. This horse would kick at any 
body or anything. 

But I found a horse in Mississippi, which was perfectly 
gentle to ride or handle, would only kick when to wagon, yet 
he was the most terribly persistent kicker when in harness 



76 KICKING IN HARNESS. 

I ever saw, or ever expect to see. All ordinary treatment 
was only as play to this horse. Circumstances made 
it necessary to break up the habit, and I felt compelled to 
do so, and succeeded only after three lessons. Never did 
a horse resist more bravely, but I succeeded in making the 
animal so gentle as to submit the wagon against the heels 
going down hill, and he was driven by me a week after 
being broken, in the presence of a large concourse of peo- 
ple, proving safe and gentle afterwards. 

Breaking of kicking, as with most other habits, requires 
thoroughness in what is attempted. If there is more fear 
than willfulness, the fear must be thoroughly overcome. If 
based upon willfulness, that must be mastered at any 
hazard. In either case, put through a careful but thorough 
course of subjection, exciting resistance by rubbing a stick 
of some kind against and between the legs until there is no 
resistance; now put on harness and breaking bit, and com- 
pel perfect submission to its restraint. Let the hind legs 
be touched as before, and at each indication of resistance, 
punish sharply; with the reins back the animal against a rail 
fence or anything convenient. If there is perfect submis- 
sion, back into the shafts of the wagon, or bring the shafts 
over the back gently. This is a step requiring much cau- 
tion and firmness. Stand at the left shoulder, grasping the 
rein near the bit firmly, and as the shafts are brought for- 
ward, and the cross-piece comes in contact with the legs, if 
there is much sensitiveness shown, give him a sharp, quick 
jerk upon the reins, which will at once disconcert the 
horse, and at the same time throw the head so high as to 
make it difficult for him to kick. Force this point well, 
until the contact of the wagon is borne, when the harness 
may be attached. Now drive around gently, stopping and 
starting repeatedly, carefully observing how much forcing 
the horse will bear. If there is no indication of serious 
resistance, follow up by driving around, until there is per- 
fect submission. At each repetition of being hitched to a 
wagon for a few days, let the horse be backed against the 
cross-piece several times until it is borne without flinching. 

This precaution of testhig repeatedly is absolutely essen- 
tial to prevent and overcome any growing sensibility or 
confidence of ability to kick when driven, until there is not 
discovered any disposition to indulge in the habit. 



KICKING IN HARNESS. 



77 



If this will not do, repeat the lesson of subjection which 
the reader has been shown, and if there is any doubt about 
submitting to the shafts without danger of an accident, get 
TWO POLES about twelve feet each in length; lay them 
down on the ground so that the small ends will be about 
twenty-two inches apart, and the large ends are six or seven 
feet apart. Next get a piece of pole of the same size, lay 
across and tie firmly to the side poles just far enough from 
the forward ends so when the horse is hitched in the tugs 
are tied to this crosspiece with pieces of cord. Hitch to 
this without holdbacks, and drive around, repeatedly stop- 
ping and backing the horse against the cross-piece until 
there is perfect submission. This driving in poles may be 
repeated if thought necessary, remembering that it is ab- 
solutely necessary to make every step sure before the next 
is attempted. 

A great advantage of repeating the lesson is, that the 
sensibility of the mouth is so greatly increased that the most 
plucky horse will scarcely dare resist the bit after being 
severely punished a few times. If the horse yields, but is 
doubtful or appears touchy and sensitive once in a while, 
you may be able to make your point by putting on the foot 
STRAP, which is an excellent means of controlling a doubt- 
ful horse, in making this step. 

This is simply disabling 
and controlling one of the 
fore feet, by a strap 
which is passed over the 
belly-band and back to 
the wagon as a third rein. 
Simply pulling upon this 
at the instant there is an 
attempt to kick, throws 
the horse off his balance 
and disables him from 
doing so. It must be 
borne in mind that much 
depends in making sub- 
jection thorough ; no mat- 
ter how good or proper the treatment, the horse must 
be made to yield unconditionally, or failure is not only 
probable but almost certain. 




18 



KICKING STRAPS. 



Kicking straps if properly put on, are powerful means of 
reproof upon the kicker. I have had excellent success with 
this means years ago. They will not work well on a slow 
determined horse, and in any event should be kept on until 
all desposition to resist is overcome. 



KICKING STRAPS. 




Have made four straps, like common hame straps; two 
long enough to buckle around the hind legs 9.bove the 
gambrels, and two a little shorter, so as to be in proportion, 
to buckle around just below 
the gambrel. The straps 
should be an inch and a 
quarter wide, good thick 
leather, and the buckles 
should be heavy. Now have 
made two D's, just twice as 
long as the straps are wide. 
This D should have the 
straight part a little round- 
ing, and the corners not 
quite to a sharp point. Put 

a long and short strap on each D, and buckle them around 
the hind legs of the horse; the long strap above and the 
short one below the gambrel, bringing the D in front of the 
leg. These we designate kicking straps. 

Put a strong well-fitting rope halter on the head, tie a 
strong two-inch ring on the end of the hitching part, which 
should be of a length to extend between the fore-legs, over 
and just back of the belly band. Then take a piece of 
strong manilla rope, long enough to extend from the ring 
on the end of the halter back to each hind leg. Pass the 
end of this through the ring to the center, and tie each end 
carefully into the D's on the straps, the whole so arranged 
in length that the horse can travel easily and naturally. 
Now as soon as the horse kicks, the most severe punishment 
must result upon the nose. If the horse is sulky the con- 
nection may be made direct to the bit ; there is however 
danger if the horse kicks recklessly, if so attached, of greatly 
bruising the mouth, or of even breaking the jaw; have 
known too such results from this cause, hence I have dis- 



KICKING STRAPS. 79 

carded it. No quarter is to be given until there is perfect 
submission. The harness may be put on after the horse 
ceases kicking, and drive around as before. These straps 
should be kept on until there is no disposition to kick. 

If the mouth is hard, use breaking bit and force as before, 
with the reins, until there is perfect submission. The horse 
is to be treated with the utmost kindness when he yields. 
Bear in mind this rule must not be disregarded, of addressing 
and winning the cooperation of the affections as soon as 
there is submission. The foot strap may be used as a pre- 
caution when hitched to wagon, until submission is made 
sure. 

If the mouth is naturally sensitive, and the horse is docile 
but quick and irritable, a different policy must be adopted, 
as the horse may drive gently for hours, or even days, and 
yet may kick at a real or fancied cause of annoyance. This 
mode of treatment would not work well with such, as they 
soon become cautious by throwing the head down when 
there is such an intention, and there is not persistence 
enough to make reproof sufficiently positive to cure the 
habit. 

The OVERDRAW CHECK will now work well. But care 
must be taken to apply it right, or there will be cause 
for disappointment in its use. The object is now to simply 
disable the horse from his purpose at the least attempt to 
kick, which we can easily do, especially while in single 
harness. Probably the best way to do this is as follows : 

Get a small steel bit and hang it loosely above the driving 
bit in the bridle. Put the bridle on the head ; now provide 
yourself with a fine, strong piece of hemp or cotton cord, 
about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, and sixteen feet 
in length. That kept at hardware stores for hanging win- 
dows, will do. Put the center of this cord back of the ears, 
run the ends back through the rings of the small bit and 
through the gag runners, which should be close up to the 
ears. (See cut.) Pass them now through the terrets and 
back through a ring, which must be attached as far back 
upon the crouper as possible, and attach the ends to the 
shafts on each side of the hips. At first this check should 
be drawn short, to bring the head as high as the horse can 
bear. The head is now not only high, but the least effort 
to kick will thwart itself by drawing the check tighter, 



80 KICKING STRAPS. 

thereby preventing the horse from doing any mischief. As 
there is manifested less disposition to kick, give more free- 



Over draw Clieck for Kickers. 

dom to the head. When the animal proves safe, change 
and use the common check rein, at first rather short. A 
nicely rounded strap may be used instead of the cord. It 
requires very careful and thorough treatment to reform a 
slow, reckless kicker, especially if the nervous system is 
much weakened in this direction. I have the best success 
by the second and third methods of subjection in conjunction 
with the control of the mouth, and unless you cannot make 
your point by this treatment, your success will be doubtful. 
Old squealers of this character are to be discarded. I 
know there are so few who will be necessarily thorough in 
carrying out obedience, and treating afterwards with pru- 
dence and kindness requisite, that I do not wish to encourage 
success m making such safe and gentle. It is seen I can 
drive any such in a few minutes. The same treatment will 
enable breaking up the habit if applied with care and 
thoroughness. 

Look first for the cause of resistance, second for the type 
of disposition, and try to make the treatment such as will 
prevent and overcome the habit in the most direct and posi- 
tive manner, always striving to be cool and careful. Treat 
the horse kindly, as soon as there is submission. 



KICKING WHILE HARNESSING. 81 

KICKING ^WHILE HARNESSING. 

Put on the war bridle (small loop,) and work up with it 
sharply right and left a few times, then pull down tight, 
and tie into a half hitch. While holding the cord in the left 
hand, step back and pass the hand from the shoulders to the 
hind parts gently. If this is borne, take the harness in the 
right hand and work it back gently over the back. As this 
is borne, untie the cord and tie down, so as to give the 
mouth a little more freedom. Now go back and handle as 
before, being careful to be gentle; if there is resistance, 
punish sharply, tie down short again, and put the harness 
on. When there is submission, untie, then work back as 
before; at the least indication of resistance, tremble on the 
cord until the horse will bear the harness while free from 
restraint. 

KICKING AT^HILE GROOMING. 

Some horses are so thin skinned that they can scarcely 
bear a currycomb on the flanks or legs, and when excited by 
rough treatment and too severe use of the currycomb, are 
easily made vicious to handle or groom. Put on the war 
bridle, and after working up with it, hold tightly, and with 
the left hand use the currycomb on the back, gradually 
working to the sensitive part; as there is submission, give 
a little more freedom to the mouth, and work back lightly. 
If the horse seems unable to bear the currycomb, use the 
brush instead, and that, if necessary, lightly. Work lightly 
and indirectly to the sensitive part, at the same time speak- 
ing gently. It is almost impossible to overcome this habit 
if there is not gentleness and kind treatment. 

The currycomb is used too much by most grooms. A 
sharp toothed, brass currycomb, must not be used on a thin 
skinned horse ; use a brush. I should want a horse to kick 
a man out of the stall who would use a currycomb with 
needless severity, or be otherwise needlessly harsh. 

KICKING WHILE SHOEING. 

Some horses have a peculiar aversion to having their feet 
handled, and if once aroused to resistance, from any cause, 
are apt to become pretty determined in the habit. If the 

4* 



82 KICKING WHILE SHOEING. 

foot is pulled away when taken up, or the horse is excited 
and injured in some way while the foot is held, fear of 
injury is produced and associated with the requirement, 
which, by the usual pulling, hauling and kicking practices 
of the shop, makes the horse worse. The least indication 
of ability to resist control of the foot, inspires to greater 
resistance, hence, the horse by persistence in such a course is 
confirmed in the habit. If only a little irritable and restless 
at being shod, put on the war bridle, draw tight, and tie in 
a half hitch. The foot can now be handled. Untie in a 
few minutes, and let the cord be pulled upon a little when 
disposed to resist, which will distract the attention and 
cause submission. If the resistance is determined, take up 
the fore foot and have it held by an assistant; tie the end 
of the long web around the hind foot above the fetlock. 
This done, request the assistant to let go the foot and hold 
by the head; while standing opposite the shoulder, pull 
upon the strap until the foot is brought well forward, giving 
loose the instant there is an effort to jerk or kick. Repeat 
pulling and letting go, until submitted freely. Now step 
directly behind and pull back, giving, as before, until sub- 
missive; then bring the web over the back around across 
the breast, pulling short enough to bring the foot well for- 
ward ; pass the end back under the part over the back, and 
pull tight. 

Let the assistant now grasp the web, holding firmly as 
ever, with the left hand holding the head by the bridle. 
This brings the leg forward, where it can be handled at 
will. If -this will not do, tie the end of the web or rope 
around the neck, near the shoulders, in the form of a run- 
ning noose; pass the other end back between the fore legs, 
around the hind leg, below the fetlock and back through 
the loop, around the neck, drawing it through short enough 
to bring the foot well forward. Pass the end back under to 
prevent sliding, and retain in the hand. The horse will 
now be very likely to struggle to get the foot loose. Should 
his resistance be so great as to endanger injury, you can 
give loose on the end of the rope. When the horse ceases 
trying to get the foot loose, rest the left hand upon the hip, 
with the right pull upon the foot forward and outward. -If 
there is great resistance, pull around by the head, which 
will enable you to keep him in such limits as you wish. 



KICKING WHILE SHOEING. 83 

When the struggle ceases, go back and handle as before. 
When the foot is submitted to the hand, while held to the 
restraint of the rope, put the cord well back upon the neck, 
draw it down tightly, and tie it into a half hitch. Then 
pull upon the foot with the hand as before. If not resisted, 
untie the strap and take the foot in hand gently. Put it 
down and take it up, rubbing and handling until there is 
entire submission. Then carry it back with the right hand, 
keeping well forward out of danger, by resting the left hand 
upon the hip, and pulling and yielding to the foot until 
manageable. Now pass the left hand down the inside of 
the leg, take it from the right and carry it back gently ; put 
it down and take it up once or twice. Hammer upon it 
lightly, gradually increasing, until the foot is submitted as 
required. Now untie the cord and tie it a little longer; go 
back and handle the foot as before. If submitted, untie 
the cord, holding the end in the left hand, and handle as 
before. If there is an intimation of resistance, tremble on 
the cord, which will keep attention on the mouth, and 
remind of the previous control until the foot is submitted 
without restraint. Manage the other hind foot in the same 
manner, if necessary. If the horse is very bad to shoe he 
must be subjected to the regular treatment for direct sub- 
jection, and the smith shop is no place for this. Such 
horses should be first handled at home until thoroughly sub- 
missive, when simple treatment will enable easily forcing 
the animal to stand quietly to be shod. Horses of this 
class, rank with the very worst, and should be at once sub- 
jected to the most positive means of subjection. Passive 
treatment will enable control very easily, but must be used 
with care. The feet of such horses should be taken up and 
pounded upon repeatedly in the stable, until submission 
becomes habitual. When taken to the shop, if necessary, 
simply remind that submission must be yielded, and treat 
gently — caressing and rubbing head and neck the way the 
hair lies. Colts should not be taken to a shop to be shod 
until accustomed to have the feet handled. 



84 BALKING. 



BALKING. 



This habit is usually caused by confusing and overload- 
ing, or trying to force too much by whipping when 
exhausted, or when the draught from some cause becomes 
too great for the horse to manage, thereby exciting and dis- 
couraging the horse before able to settle down to a steady, 
determined pull. When a horse, and especially a young 
one, becomes mad, and will not pull when commanded, 
there should not be a word or an action that would betray 
an understanding of the resistance. Change position — take 
up time in some way by fixing the harness or walking 
around, whistling or singing, if in the mood. There must 
not be any appearance of anger. Give the horse time to 
get over the irritation and become willing to use his strength 
against the collar. Any characteristic of willfulness denotes 
spirit and sensibility, consequently not disposed to submit 
to being rudely and injudiciously forced in harness. If 
double, get both horses to start evenly. This can be done 
best, and greatly lessen the weight of the load in starting, 
by standing directly in front of both horses, catching the 
bits with the hands. Now move the horses gently to the 
right or left, until the wheel almost strikes the side of the 
wagon — giving them time to become steady. When you see 
they are ready, speak with cheerful, encouraging voice, 
''come boys." If this precaution is taken, there will be no 
further trouble ; but bear in mind that the horses must not 
now be permitted to go to the limit of their strength. 
When they are still pulling with energy, at the first favora- 
ble place stop them. After ample time to recuperate, speak 
to them gently to go. It seems to be natural for a horse to 
go ahead and draw all he can, and it is only when confused, 
excited and abused in the most unreasonable and imprudent 
manner, that the disposition is ^excited to balk. When 
once the habit is acquired, it is liable at any moment to be 
persisted in if excited or much force is used. 

If there is any treatment to which horses are subject in 
educating to harness that is unreasonable and needlessly 
harsh, and should be corrected, it is that of pounding or 
whipping to make them go, when perhaps the animals are 
confused and discouraged, and not in a condition to make 
much of an effort. 



BALKING. 85 

The principal cause of this habit is harnessing horses and 
attempting to drive them, and make them draw heavy loads, 
before they can know what is required of them, or learn to 
use their strength in pulling. 

The whip is too irritating, without giving sufficient power 
to force obedience, and as the will is stimulated to increased 
positiveness and sensibility is blunted in proportion to the 
degree the blood is warmed, this advantage of force by the 
whip decreases, while the resistance is increased, and hence 
is often a direct cause of failure. 

If the whip is to be depended upon, the horse should be 
driven around in harness only, when it should be made to 
crack keenly around the hind legs the instant after "get 
up " is spoken, until the horse learns to spring ahead when 
commanded. When there is perfect obedience, attach to 
the wagon and move gently, stopping and starting often, 
until obedience becomes habitual. To prevent this habit 
the colt should be driven around in harness, touching up 
with the whip, until the idea of starting at the touch of the 
whip, and guiding and submitting to the bit, becomes 
prompt and habitual. Then drive slowly and gently for 
some time after being attached to the wagon. 

If the habit is formed, and especially in single harness, it 
is usually more from resistance to the bit than collar, and if 
the horse is young he will yield readily to simple treatment. 
Put through the second course of subjection. Then put on 
harness. Drive around, whipping sharply the instant the 
horse does not start when commanded, guiding right and 
left, and stopping at the control of the bit. If there is a 
habit of LUNGING ahead, regardless of the bit, or of not 
standing as desired when hitched, be positive and thorough 
in requiring instant obedience to the command whoa, which 
can be easily done with breaking bit. Drive around until 
there is perfect obedience. Then hitch to wagon, gently 
start and stop the horse repeatedly, until the obedience is 
made certain. The lesson of driving to harness should be 
repeated, if there is any disposition to resist. The war 
bridle will enable working an ordinary balker very easily. 
First, make follow promptly with harness on, when the 
horse will soon yield to it in harness. There must be 
kindness and flattery for every act of obedience. Talk 
kindly, give apples, oats, or anything the horse likes. 



86 EFFECT OF KINDNESS. 

EFFECT OF KI]^J■DK"ESS. 

The impression of kind treatment, gradually showing and 
encouraging the animal to yield obedience, is certainly very 
effective, when carried out well in practice. During my 
early experience I traded horses very ofte^i. In this way I 
became the owner of a pony mare, eight years old. She 
proved balky, and on inquiry I learned that she had been 
traded round for years, and had been owned by nearly all 
the sharp jockeys in the country, being entirely unmanagea- 
ble. She would neither go down hill or move on a level in 
harness. Neighbors advised me to prosecute for being im- 
posed upon with such a good-for-nothing animal. Making 
it a rule not to find fault if cheated, I declared myself 
satisfied, and concluded to try what I could do with her. I 
first filled my pockets with apples, led the mare to a secluded 
piece of smooth, slightly descending road, hauling the 
buggy by hand ; hitched her to the buggy, but did not urge 
her to go ; read a paper the better to show indifference. 

After a while she started on a run. To try to make her 
go slow by pulling, would be equivalent to making her stop, 
and so let her go until she wore off the sharp edge of her 
aiTibition. I now gradually pulled her back, as I could see 
she would bear, when I reached a descending piece of 
ground, made her stop, got out of the wagon, talked gently, 
gave her an apple, then moved forward a little, saying 
''come Jennie," (her name,) gave her another apple, rub- 
bing her head, as before, and so repeated, for about half an 
hour. Then would get into the buggy and make her start ; 
after going a few feet or rods making her stop, but always 
getting out and rewarding her with an apple. The result 
was, that Jennie soon not only would start and stop when 
commanded, but became anxious to obey me. Drove her 
home; treated her with the utmost kindness; next day 
hitched her up gently; made her start and stop a few times 
before getting into the buggy; got into the buggy; soon 
made her stop, but rewarded her as before. The result was 
that I soon could depend upon her starting and stopping 
when commanded. Of course I carried this treatment from 
a descending to an ascending grade, teaching the mare 
gradually to use her strength. The result was that she be- 
came one of the most willing and i)leasant little working 



EFFECT OF KINDNESS. 87 

animals I ever owned. Sold her in a few weeks. She be- 
came the property of a rough, bad man to horses, who, by 
needless abuse, made her balk on his way home, and she 
became spoiled. This mare was of a sanguine nervous 
temperament, naturally willing to do all she could when 
shown and treated kindly, but would not bear whipping 
and abuse. Her will was so strong that she would stand 
bravely, regardless of the most severe whipping. I struck 
her with the whip but once, when she threw herself down 
in the harness. There cannot be too much care and pa- 
tience with young horses that are learning to drive. If a 
little stubborn, putting through a short course of subjection 
and teaching to move forward, as before explained, will 
soon produce perfect submission. If, however, the habit is 
thoroughly formed, it must be counteracted by direct 
means. To do this best, hitch the balker by the side of a 
gentle horse. Attach a strong piece of cord in the form of 
a crouper, under the tail of the balker, bring forward 
through the terret and tie to the hame ring of the gentle 
horse, just short enough to give freedom so long as the hor- 
ses are even, but the instant there is a disposition to refuse, 
the whole power of the gentle horse is brought to bear upon 
the tail, which will cause the horse to jump forward instant- 
ly. Stop and start repeatedly, until there is no disposition 
to refuse moving forward when commanded. Should pull- 
ing on the tail irritate and cause kicking, at once remove 
the cord ; tie the end of the hair into a knot ; tie the cord 
to the hair by this knot ; bring forward between the legs 
and attach the cord to the hame ring or collar of the gentle 
horse, as before. The restraint is now on the tail length- 
wise, which has a remarkably disconcerting influence, with 
great power to force the horse forward when the gentle 
horse starts. If this should fail, there is but one resource 
left, which I can here describe, but which is very effective 
and valuable if properly applied. 

Put the war bridle on ; bring the part over the neck for- 
v/ard to the ears; now jerk sidewise and ahead, and finally 
ahead as there is submission, until there is prompt obedience 
in coming ahead when pulled upon. Hitch to wagon by 
the side of a true horse. Have prepared a smooth stiff pole 
about the length of the wagon tongue. Bore a hole a few 
inches from the large end, and about a foot or more for- 



88 EFFECT OF KINDNESS. 

ward of the head bore another. Lay this pole over that of 
the wagon, the end over that of the true horse's whiffletree, 
and tie firmly on top with a piece of cord. Now step for- 




Pole applied to Balker. 

fard and tie a piece of small rope from one hame ring to 
the other of the horses, under the pole, so as to be just taut 
when in position. Pass another piece of the same sized 
cord around the pole and tie it into the true horse's hame 
ring short enough to hold the pole in the center. Tie the 
cord on the head now to the pole through the hole, just 
long enough to give freedom, so long as the horses keep 
even ; but as soon as there is refusal to go, the strength of 
the true horse is brought by the pole on the head, which 
will compel going ahead, (see cut.) Start and stop the 
horses often, until obedience is secured. This pole may be 
used so long as there is any disposition to balk. 

The horse should not be required at first to use much 
strength in drawing. Let thfs be required gradually, as 
there is obedience and willingness inspired to work. It is 
a grave fault to try to make the horse work immediately. 
This must not be attempted. First, create a willingness to 
start when commanded, then gradually increase the load 
until it becomes habitual to draw when commanded. I am 
aware very many will have much trouble, and may wholly 
fail with horses of this character. It is presumed that there 
is tact and intelligence enough to appreciate and understand 
the necessity of being patient, prudent and thorough in 
adapting the efforts skillfully. Those who will not have or 
have not mind enough to feel the responsibility and value 



KICKING IN THE STALL. 89 

of being governed by reason in the treatment of habits, 
not only of this type but of any other, must expect a possi- 
bility of failure with some very bad horses. 

A very good way to work a single balker is to drive first 
by the side of a gentle horse with the pole, then hitch to 
single wagon, using two small poles instead of reins to the 
bit. Now, if the horse does not move promptly when com- 
manded, a little push on the poles will cause him to start, 
and soon cause prompt obedience. But I would remind 
again that patience, delicacy and skill in carrying out the 
principles taught, are the primary and grand essentials to 
insure success. I would therefore remind, that great firm- 
ness, skill and patience should be used in directing and 
controlling the eiforts, since without a judicious application 
of the efforts the advantages may be so far neutralized as to 
prevent or greatly diminish success. 

KICKING IN THE STALL. 

This is one of those habits that require great caution, 
judgment and care in guarding against danger. Let the 
horse know by some signal or command, of your presence 
and intention to approach. Many horses of the gentlest 
character would kick if approached suddenly and unexpect- 
edly; and again, many horses that are gentle but a little 
peevish, will not bear being approached without a little care 
in attracting attention. The motion of the ears and lips, 
and expression of the eye, will always notify of danger. 
And here let me warn the reader that however careful he 
may be in not going too near the horse, there must not be 
a semblance of fear shown in language or actions. The 
commands must be low and positive, indicating power. If 
the horse will not move round and seem to be distracted 
from a positive intention, stand still, and if the animal does 
not yield, walk off, carelessly whistling, in such a way that 
the horse does not see that you feel defeated. 

If you have his attention, repeat the words " get around, 
or over," with a positiveness that must be obeyed, looking 
at the eye as if you could and would overcome all opposi- 
tion. When you see the horse shrink from your gaze, glide 
up to the shoulder, before the mind can be made to act, and 
the next instant let the left hand be passed along the neck 



90 KICKING IN THE STALL. 

and down the head to the nose piece of the haher, and you 
are safe, as the horse cannot now kick, strike or bite you. 
I have repeatedly got to the shoulder of horses in this way 
that would kick and strike the stall just after I passed, yet 
not be struck; it is a feat, however, that must not be at- 
tempted unless necessary. In going out, the rule is the 
same — pull the head towards you, looking at the eye stern- 
ly ; this will throw the quarters from you, and at the instant 
you let go, glide out and you are safe. 

If the horse is very dangerous, the best and safest course 
is subjective treatment, following up with the war bridle, 
sharply until mindful of your commands, or if you wish to 
work dead sure, leave the war bridle on. Lead the animal 
into the stall, then step back opposite the hips and say, 
''get around." If there is not prompt obedience, give a 
sharp jerk, which will throw the hind part from you. Re- 
peat this, and in a short time the horse will learn to step 
around promptly when commanded, and allov/ being ap- 
proached. If the horse is persistent, leave the cord on, the 
small loop being left larger and passed through the rings of 
the halter. As you now step out, retain the cord in the 
hand and hang or tie the end to a nail on the post, leaving 
sufficient length to permit the horse entire freedom to the 
halter. Now when you desire to go into the stall, if the 
horse does not step around when commanded, untie or un- 
hook the end of the cord and give a jerk upon it, which 
will bring the animal to his senses. Leaving this on a few 
days, caressing and giving presents of sugar, apples, or 
anything of which the horse is fond, will soon not only 
break up the confidence, but so enlist the attention that 
your approach will be looked for, and eagerly invited to him 
by stepping around, and endeavoring to reach toward you 
for the present. 

I would here observe that there are very many men who 
are not fit to have anything to do with a sensitive, well-bred 
horse. They are either so coarse and harsh as to excite 
resentment, and hate, or so dull and ignorant that they 
cannot or will not see that they must both conceal fear and 
avoid danger. They will not do either. They abuse and 
show so much fear as both to excite and encourage resist- 
ance, and without the genius or tact to correct the cause 
of mischief they attribute all the trouble to the natural 
viciousness of the animal. 



PULLING ON THE HALTER. 91 

Sensitive horses should not be ^teased in the stall, or 
while cleaning, by pinching, pricking or whipping, to 
*^show off," as the term is. Gentlemen who own fine 
horses should be very particular about this, and a man who 
would in any way persist in such treatment, should be 
kicked out the stable. 

PULLING OJSr THE HALTER. 

It is the disposition of the horse to persist in what he 
learns, and this is remarkably so where the habit is one of 
resistance to the restraint of the halter or bit. If the halter 
strap is broken once or twice, there is a determined purpose 
to pull loose at all hazards when hitched. This is some- 
times only in the place the habit has been learned. Thus 
a horse learns to pull loose in the stall — he will resist being 
hitched in stall, but will submit to be hitched anywhere 
else ; or the horse has learned to pull loose in the street 
and resists there, but will submit and not pull in the stall. 
This habit is taught either by being tied by the halter before 
knowing or being taught to submit to being tied, or acci- 
dentally breaking the tying strap. If from the first cause 
the animal becomes frightened, pulls, and if successful in 
breaking loose, the habit is established ; or the halter strap 
is so weak that the least jerk upon it causes it to break, the 
habit becomes fixed. 

Put on the war bridle, and train the horse about until he 
will come to you readily. Now bring the part over the neck 
forward to the ears, and pull more on a line with the body, 
repeating until there is prompt obedience to the least pull 
forward. Wind the cord once around a post, keeping the 
end in the hand, so as to let it loose a little if necessary. 
Excite the horse to pull a little, which he will soon fear to 
do, as there is great pain induced by the purchase of the 
war bridle in this way. Repeat until he will stand, and let 
the whip or any other means of excitement be used, without 
trying to pull. 

Should this fail, try the following method : 

Get a strong half-inch cord twenty-two feet in length ; 
put the center under the tail like a crouper; twist them a 
few times as you bring them forward over the back; pass 
forward on each sic'e of the body, knot them across the 



92 BITING AND STRIKING 

breast, then pass them forward through the halter below the 
jaw. Tie firmly as you would a halter, to manger or post ; 
excite by any means that will make the horse pull until the 



Treating a Halter Puller. 

habit is overcome. I whip across the nose keenly, until there 
is perfect submission, when I can soon make even a bad one 
stand up without attempting to pull. To insure safety, 
would hitch so for a few days, or so long as there is any 
predisposition to pull on the halter. Same treatment for 
pulling on the bridle. 

BITING AND STKIKING. 

There are many habits which to break up successfully re- 
quire not only good judgment but the highest order of 
nerve, and this is not only one of that class, but one that 
requires perseverance and caution. The least want of 
watchfulness will encourage this propensity; and however 
thorough the training, if there is not this care, the horse 
will be encouraged to become aggressive, and once allowed 
to do so successfully the point gained is lost. Hence the 
necessity of being able to see the intention at a glance, and 
disconcert the mind from its purpose before being fully 
developed. The horse must be made to yield the most 
perfect submission, (by the first or second methods of 
subjection.) If a stallion this is an absolute necessity. Fol- 
low up with the war bridle, punishing sharply. In ap- 



BITING AND STRIKING. 93 

preaching afterwards, speak sharply "get round !" or any 
signal that will attract attention. Let the left hand be put 
on the shoulder, (near side,) glide it up the neck to the 
head, then down to the nose piece of the halter. If there 
is an attempt to bite now, the hand is carried up before the 
head and held out of reach, while you can keep the head 
from you with the greatest ease. 

An old horse subject to this habit must be watched 
closely. So long as there is disposition to bite, the horse 
must not be regarded safe. Carelessness and timidity, 
especially if subjected to harsh treatment, may be regarded 
as the primary cause. I have known horses to become 
inveterate biters by being whipped once or twice. 

A gentleman informed me lately that a horse he formerly 
owned became terribly vicious by being struck once with 
whip in stall. He was, up to that time, as gentle as any 
horse could be. Mr. Roberts' horse, a notice of which I 
include in referring to my treatm.ent in the first chapter 
from the Utica Herald. This horse had been of a very 
docile character. A rough, drunken groom, who was em- 
ployed to take care of him, by irritating and abusing the 
horse got him vicious. Mr. Roberts now took him in hand ; 
one day while in harness the horse acted a little stubborn 
and vicious ; Mr. Roberts struck him with the whip, when 
instantly the horse struck and bit him, knocking him sense- 
less under his feet, and would have killed him if not driven 
off by two men, who happened at the time close by. He 
had run in his stall seven months, and would jump at any 
one with the ferocity of a desperate dog. As was stated, I 
took him in hand and made him gentle in less than twenty 
minutes, and he remained of a good character afterwards. 
If the horse is young and thoroughly treated, there will be 
but little trouble in reforming the animal. If old and bad 
there is no hope of success, unless there is unusual nerve, 
and genius to make every move just right, and follow up 
the treatment until the mind relaxes from the purpose, and 
the affections are won. The habit is clearly a mania when 
once thoroughly formed. 

If the horse is allowed to bite without instant and posi- 
tive reproof, after training, no matter how thoroughly the 
training, the predisposition will be again so strongly devel- 
oped as to make the animal watch for an opportunity to 



94 CRIBBING. 

bite. After forcing obedience, encourage every act of do- 
cility. Be continually on the watch for danger and punish 
energetically for aggression, but immediately encourage 
obedience by kind, affectionate treatment. 

CSIBBING. 

Cribbing, so far as we are able to learn or judge, is a 
habit. There may be constitutionally predisposing causes, 
but it is certain, whatever the pretentions of any one, I 
have never been given any proof of ability to break up the 
habit with medicine. Horses will not crib on anything 
that is lower than the knees. Hence the treatment of 
tearing away the manger and feeding on the floor, or in a 
basket. Sometimes sawing between the teeth will stop the 
habit. 

There is but one practical plan of breaking up this habit, 
and the success of that will depend very much upon the 
skill displayed in making the adjustment. 

The act of cribbing induces considerable contraction of 
the muscles of the neck, and the larynx is forced down 
much beyond its natural position. This then is the key 
through which we must act. Have the throat-latch of the hal- 
ter hang on a line with the top of the head to the junction of 
the neck with the head. Take a piece of strap, (good firm 
leather,) about five inches in length, and as wide as the 
throat-latch. Drive ten ounce tacks in a row along the 
center of this strap, three-eighths of an inch apart. File 
the points sharp and of an equal length. Lay this strap on 
the inside of the throat-latch where it crosses the larynx, 
wind a piece of waxed thread around both, at the center 
and ends of the short strap. Buckle the throat-latch just 
long enough so that it will not touch the neck when eating 
or drinking, but will press sharply at the least attempt to 
crib. The result is that at every attempt to crib the tacks 
will stick into the neck, which will hurt and disconcert the 
horse from doing so. 

The point of success will really depend upon the perfec- 
tion and care with which this is kept adjusted. If there is 
large muscular development on the neck or thick necked, 
the strap must be buckled shorter than when the neck is 
well cut out, as it is termed. Make the reproof severe at 



PUTTING THE TONGUE OUT OF THE MOUTH. 95 

first. Then keep it so as to touch sharply when a repetition 
is attempted. If the throat-latch is not on a line with the 
top of the head, the tacks will rest against and cut the jaw, 
a little below the junction of the head with the neck. If 
this is kept on a few days or weeks, and then put on care- 
lessly or taken off, there is likely to be failure ; for if the 
horse iinds he can crib once after this is put on without 
hurting himself, he will try to repeat the effort at all 
hazards, and will punish himself severely to do so. But if 
punished at first and this kept where it will sting at the 
least attempt, it will be likely to cure the habit. It is to be 
kept on from a few weeks to as many months, according to 
the age and persistence of the habit. 

GETTING CAST IN STAIiIi. 

Drive a staple into a beam, or the floor directly over the 
horse's head, as he stands in the stall, to which attach a 
strap or piece of small rope of sufficient length to extend 
within fifteen inches of the floor. Before retiring for the 
night, attach the other end of the cord or strap to the top 
of the halter, making it just long enough to allow the horse 
to put his nose to the floor. Being now unable to get the 
top of his head to the floor, he is prevented from rolling. 

PUTTING THE TONGUE OUT OF THE MOUTH, 




Have fittted a piece of thin sheet iron, about two and a 
half inches wide, and five inches long, with the ends made 



96 



JUMPING OVER FENCES. 



rounding, and the edges filed smooth. Drill two small 
holes about half an inch apart, near each edge at the cen- 
ter. Fasten it through these holes on top of the bit with a 
piece of small annealed wire. Shorten the cheek pieces of 
the bridle, so that the bit is drawn well up in the mouth. 
This piece of iron is now over the tongue, making it im- 
possible for the horse to get the tongue over the bit. Keep 
this on the bit for two or three weeks, when the horse will 
become habituated to carrying the tongue under the bit and 
keeping it in the mouth. The tongue is sometimes, but not 
often put out under the bit, which indicates a confirmed 
persistence in the habit, and is sometimes impossible to 
prevent. The following treatment will work admirably in 
most cases, and is the only treatment worth explaining: 

Get three middling sized bullets and hammer them out to 
about an inch and a half in length. Drill a little hole 
through the end of each. Tie one to the center of the bit 
by a little piece of wire through the joint. Attach the 
others to the bit about an inch from the center, (one on 
each side,) so as to play loosely, (See cut.) 




When this bit is now in the mouth, these extra arrange- 
ments will so disconcert the horse that in his struggles to 
get them out of the way, he will forgot to put the tongue 
out. 

JUMPING OVER FENCES. 

Many farmers assert that this alone is worth the entire 
expense of the lesson. Certainly if this will prove so valua- 



JUMPING OVER FENCES. 



97 




The Jumper before 
adjusting. 



ble, the instruction on Taming and Changing Habits must 
be invaluable. If a horse or mule, put on a halter that fits 
well to the head — a five ring halter is best. 
Next find a piece of thin leather, (an old 
boot-leg will do,) about as long as the 
head, and from four to five inches wider 
than the head is at the eyes. Form it same 
as cut, with a string attached at each 
corner. Attach the upper corners by the 
strings to the halter where the brow-piece 
is attached to the cheek-piece. Tie the 
cords attached to the lower corners back of 
the jaw (being careful to leave just freedom 
enough to masticate easily.) Let the ends 
now pass over the throat-latch, and make 
fast. The horse is simply disabled from 
looking ahead. He can look sidewise and 
back, but cannot look ahead or over the 
nose forward, which will disconcert suffi- 
ciently to prevent the animal not only jumping, but throw- 
ing the fence down. If an ox or cow, attach the upper 
corners to the horns, and pass the strings around the neck 
instead of over the throat-latch. I find that cows will not 
attempt to jump after this has been used two or three 
weeks. Horses and mules a much longer time, and in some 
cases must be used for months. Of course farmers should 
keep fences in good repair to keep 
stock from being tempted to jump 
them. It is fallacy to suppose that 
means, however valuable, can be 
wholly relied upon for success, so 
long as the cause is permitted to 
continue. The leather should be 
at least four inches wider than the 
head at the eyes, but five or more 
will be much better. This will 
bring the leather outside of the eyes 
when on, from two to three inches, 
and around the side of the face to prevent working over the 
nose. There may be failure with this, but if properly ap- 
plied exceptions will be rare, as it has proved so far almost 
infallible. 




The Jumper Adjusted, 



98 PAWING IN THE STALL. 

PA-WING IN THE STALL, 

Get a piece of chain about ten inches in length — run a 
short strap through one of the end links, and buckle it 
around the foot above the fetlock; or a piece of light chain 
can be fastened to a small block, and attach it to the foot 
in the same manner. When the horse attempts to paw, the 
clog or chain rattles against the foot, and prevents a repe- 
tition of the practice. 

KICKING THE STALL. 

The same treatment used for preventing pawing may be 
used ; or a piece of plank may be attached across the stall 
over the hips about an inch higher than the hips. At each ' 
effort to 'kick now, the hind part will strike this plank and 
prevent ability to do so. If the kicking is with one foot 
against side of stall, attach some brush to the side of the 
stall, or hang down loosely over the part kicked at. 

Pulling too Hard on Bit, Turning Around while 
Driving, or Running Back, were sufficiently explained in 
the article on Running Away; which, with the illustration 
given in teaching, will give sufficient knowledge of the 
treatment necessary for these and other habits not specially 
mentioned. 

KICKING COWS. 

Put on the war bridle, (small loop,) and pull a few times, 
right and left, then go back gently and attempt to milk. 
On the least resistance, hold with the bridle and punish 
sharply, so repeating as may be necessary until the cow 
learns to stand quietly and becomes afraid to kick. Effec- 
tual in every instance. 

Of course due attention must be given to the condition 
of the animal. Sometimes the teats are sore, and the pain 
caused by milking is very severe. Scolding, kicking, or 
pounding with the stool should not be permitted, as it only 
increases the mischief it is desired to avert. One or two 
lessons have proved effectual in every instance used. 



THE WAR BRIDLE. 



99 



THE VITAB. BRIDLE. 




This is simply a cord of the best material, twisted hard, 
of about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, and twelve 
or fourteen feet long. Tie each end into a hard knot, just 
as you would do to prevent its raveling, with the difference 
of putting the end through the tie twice. Then pull down 
tight and hard close to the end. Now tie another knot 
about twelve inches from the end, but before drawing it 
tight, put the end through. (See cut.) This will make a 
loop that will not slip or draw through. The great simpli- 
city of this form of knot, and the ease with which it can be 
untied, gives it preference to me over all other forms of 
knot I have ever used, and is, in my judgment, the best 
form of knot, all things considered, to be recommended for 
general use. The peculiar power given by this means upon 
the mouth is liable to cause accident, when used upon a 
quick, sensitive horse or green colt, with too much energy 
in such a manner as to bring the restraint directly back 
upon the mouth, which would in many cases cause the horse 
to rear up and possibly fall over backward upon the head. 
Of course a horse is liable to get killed by such an accident, 
and it must and should be guarded against. This loop 
should be just large enough to go over the lower jaw, back 
of the bridle teeth of the horse it is intended to be used 
upon. The other end can now be formed into another loop 
in the same manner, with the difference of being large 
enough to go over the head and fit tightly around the neck 
well back to the shoulder. 

APPLYING THE l^AR BRIDLE. 



There are two ways of applying and using the war bridle : 

I St. While standing forward of the shoulders on the near 

side of the horse, throw the small loop over the neck and 



100 POUR RING BIT. 

take in the left hand. Then with the right put the large 
loop through from the top side. Now pass the left hand 
forward to the mouth, adroitly spreading the loop in the 
same position over the thumb, second, third and fourth 
fingers, at the same time the right hand is to be passed under 
the neck, around the head, upon the nose, which is to be 
grasped gently but firmly, while the loop is put over the jaw 
back of the bridle teeth with the left. 

By standing near the shoulder and giving a sharp pullj 
you will find the horse will come to you easily, by repeating 
which he will soon learn to follow. This is a powerful 
means of controlling by the head; is particularly valuable 
in teaching to lead, controlling the head in bridling, har- 
nessing, grooming, or even in shoeing, if simply a little 
irritable. Drawing down tightly and tying into a half 
hitch, will sometimes have a powerful effect. This is the 
most powerful and valuable means ever discovered of teach- 
ing colts to lead, and will enable handling even very bad 
horses easily. It is not, however, suitable or powerful 
enough to control horses of a decidedly bad or stubborn 
character. 

2d. Take the large loop between both hands, and while 
standing directly in front of the horse, slide it over his head 
well back upon the neck, about where the collar rests. The 
loop should be made in size to fit tightly around this part of 
the neck. Now put the other end down between the loop 
and neck. Put the loop this forms into his mouth back of 
the bridle teeth, then draw down upon the end until the 
slack is taken up. This method of using the war bridle, 
enables more power sidewise than the first, but does not like 
the first give power to pull ahead. 

FOUR RING BIT. 

This peculiar form of bit will work in the control of 
some pullers with great success. It is made and used as 
follows : 

Take an ordinary short steel snaffle bit, heat and bend in 
the form of a link one of the rings, now slip over this ring 
two one inch rings, when the ring previously bent is to be 
straightened out as before. You have now a snafile bit, 
with two rings on the mouthpiece. (See cut.) Buckle into 



FOOT STRAP. 



101 




a common bridle. Get 
made next two straps, 
one two feet in length 
and three-quarters of an 
inch wide, made like a hame strap ; the other about three 
feet in length, narrower and lighter. Run the short strap 
through both rings and buckle double, in the form of a 
nose-piece, buckling just long enough to fit around the nose 
closely. Bring the long strap around the short one at the 
center, pass up and through a little loop left in the bridle 
between the ears and buckle, just short enough to let the 
nose-piece come straight across the nose. It will now be 
found by standing in front of the horse, putting both 
thumbs through the rings and giving a little jerk down and 
backwards, that the head will be thrown up and back easily. 
The strap across the nose will act as a fulcrum when the 
rings on the end of the bit are pulled upon, the two inside 
rings slide towards the center, forcing the joint upwards 
against the roof of the mouth, which causes so much pain 
that the horse will not try to resist after being pulled upon 
a few times. As a driving bit this is very powerful. After 
being pulled upon a few times, there are but few horses that 
will try to resist it. It overcomes pulling on one rein or 
throwing the nose upon the breast. The effect of this bit 
on some horses is very great. It does not cut or make the 
mouth sore like other bits, and would be especially valuable 
on horses that pull hard and get the mouth sore, as it does 
not touch the lower jaw, yet forces perfect submission. 



FOOT STBAP. 




Any piece of strap 
or rope of about twelve 
or fourteen feet in 
length, simply tied 
around the fore foot in 
most any manner, will 
answe? on an emer- 
gency. But simply 
tying or knotting 
around the foot is ob- 
jectionable on account 
of the danger of chafing 



102 TROTTING. 

and preventing circulation, or possibly untying at some 
critical moment. When necessary to use a foot-strap 
much, it should be specially adapted for the purpose by 
making as follows: Have a smooth strap made, about 
twelve inches long and an inch wide, with a buckle on 
one end and buckle holes punched in the other. About 
one inch from the buckle should be fitted, under the lap 
passing around the buckle, a ring or D stitched in nicely. 
The edges of this strap should be dressed down smooth ; or 
much better, cover the part coming in contact with the foot 
with a piece of soft leather. This strap is intended to buckle 
around the foot below the fetlock. Into the ring fasten the 
end of a strap or web fourteen feet long and an inch and a 
half wide. 

Buckle the short strap around the near fore foot below the 
fetlock, then pass the long strap over the belly-band on the 
near side back to the wagon, and hold as a rein. This gives 
control of the foot at will, by which the horse can be dis- 
abled and disconcerted instantly, while driving. If the horse 
attempts to kick, simply pulling the foot up throws him off 
his balance. He can neither kick or run back, and if he 
attempts to go ahead it must be on three legs, in a manner 
that makes resistance quite limited. It is especially valuable 
when training colts to drive, by neutralizing the animal's 
power to resist should he become frightened and attempt to 
kick or back. The foot-strap is also valuable as a means of 
enabling control of horses that will not submit to being 
rode, and is very effective. 

TKOTTIN-Q. 

A good walking gait should be the foundation of the 
training. Continue this walking lesson until the colt is 
thoroughly gentle and submissive, and has learned to walk 
with energy. Now gradually let out on a moderate trot, 
holding up often, gradually letting out a little faster, as the 
strength and education will bear, but never so as to cause 
fatigue. Those muscles that are brought most into use are 
most largely developed, and bear in mind also that a colt 
has neither the strength or bottom of an old horse, to bear 
either much exertion, or to be pushed in his gait, and can- 
not at once act the part of a fast going well trained horse. 



TROTTING. 103 

Let this jogging be continued, gradually as there is ambi; 
tion and the road is smooth and descending; but let out 
only so fast, or to the point that the gait is held even and 
square ; and at first should be pushed only a short distance, 
after which pull back to a walk and speak encouragingly. 
This is to be repeated, gradually going a little faster, but 
never to the point of exhaustion, always encouraging with 
a kind word or two after doing well. I would here caution 
against hitching the colt to a heavy wagon or sulky. The 
weight must be reduced as much as possible, and the better 
to facilitate the object, always let the bursts of speed be on 
a smooth, slightly descending piece of road. By this pre- 
caution you will remove all drag, and the horse is able to 
use all his powers to the best possible advantage. 

This careful driving and gradually teaching the animal to 
push forward when commanded is to be continued, but 
however promising, the risk should not be hazarded of 
trotting a race, or a long distance, before the system is 
thoroughly matured and hardened to bear prolonged exer- 
tion. The gait of many fine trotters is ruined by too much 
haste and harshness in training. A horse has not his growth 
until five years old, and should not be put to severe work 
before six or seven years old. It is proved by experience 
that much greater age is necessary to attain great speed. 
Flora Temple made her fastest time of two minutes nineteen 
and three-quarter seconds, when she was fifteen years old, 
at Kalamazoo. Dexter is constantly increasing his speed, 
we are informed, by age and practice; and so it will be 
found with all the best trotters. They were grown into 
great speed by careful, persevering work, by which the 
system is highly developed, the muscles are strengthened 
and hardened, and useless foul matter that would obstruct 
the free action of the heart and lungs, and increase the 
weight, is removed. 

Should the horse break when pushed in his gait, he should 
not be pulled up too suddenly, which would slacken his 
speed. Rather encourage him to go faster, and by gently 
and firmly pulling right and left bring him to the trot. The 
horse has now no disposition to resist control, and he must 
be taught to rely upon with confidence, as well as yield 
submission to the control and restraint of the bit. 



104 



TO FORCE ON THE TROT. 



TO FORCE ON THE TROT. 

There are many promising steppers that will break and 
run, and will not come down to work again, when much 
excited ; and unless there is power to prevent such a habit 
and force on the trot, the horse cannot be relied upon in a 
race, at perhaps the very instant pushing is necessary. 
There is not power to do this by the bit, and consequently 
horses that step freely in private become foolish^ and unre- 
liable when urged in company with other horses. There is 
but one way of overcoming this trouble, and that is by the 
use of the following means, the conception of which has 
been original with myself, and brought to the notice of 
trainers by me for several years, and has proved in skillful 
hands a valuable adjunct, to the end of making flighty, ner- 
vous horses come down to fast, reliable going. 

Have made first four straps 
long enough to go around the 
hind legs above the hocks, 
and from three quarters to an 
inch wide. Obtain next two 
D's or rings, in size to admit 
two each of these straps 
to be run through. Step 
in front of each hind leg and 
buckle these straps around 
the leg, one above and one 
below the gambrel, the ring 
or D in front, bringing the straps to an acute angle. Put 
on the head a light well-fitting halter. Attach a strap to 
this, which must be in part double to regulate the angle, 
and must be long enough to extend from the head to the 
back edge of the girt. On the end is to be attached a 
small, nice, easy running pulley, fitted to run a half-inch 
cord. The strap is to pass back from the halter, between 
the legs, over the belly-band, just back of which must come 
this pulley. Take next a piece of firm, hard cotton or hemp 
cord, from three-eighths to half an inch in size. Run it 
through the pulley to the center, and tie the ends into the 
D's or rings attached to the hind legs; the whole to be so 
regulated in length that the horse can walk or trot easily. 
This is similar to the kicking straps described on page 78. 




Cure for Breaking. 



TO FORCE ON THE TROT. 105 

(See cut.) One leg going forward to the degree that the 
opposite one goes back, brings no restraint on the cord or 
head, but the instant both feet go back as in the act of 
running, the cord is shortened, the head is drawn back, and 
the horse is taught that he is helpless. He soon learns this 
and becomes afraid to break, though subjected to any rea- 
sonable excitement. With this ''rig" on, move the horse 
on a walk until accustomed to it, which will usually require 
but a very short time. Then let out on a moderate trot, 
and when thoroughly accustomed to it pushing to a fast 
gait. This must be repeated. In fact this arrangement 
should be kept on until the horse is made reliable. Should 
be driven and thoroughly practiced with other horses, and 
excitement made as if in a race. Of course all this requires 
ingenuity, patience and care. 

This will work best on some horses by attaching to the 
collar, or around the neck. The restraint is simply more 
positive by this change. 

One gentleman in Ohio, two years since, came one 
hundred and fifty miles to get this treatment of me, and in 
three months afterwards he informed me that he had since 
sold a mare for fifteen hundred dollars which he had bought 
for three hundred and seventy-five dollars. She would 
break when in the least excited, and could be made nothing 
of, though a fast stepper. He bought her, made the experi- 
ment, and in less than a month had her down fine, and 
could hold her under the whip regardless of yelling and the 
excitement of competing horses. This gentleman informed 
me he then had a horse that promised equally good results 
by this treatment. 
6* 



106 



BREEDING. 



BREEDING. 




Intellisent and Gentle. 



One of the primary points 
of success is to start right, 
and in no respect is this 
more essential than in breed- 
ing. The law of like pro- 
ducing like is inexorable ; 
consequently it is seen that 
to raise good horses, good 
horses must be bred from. 
Many farmers who are other- 
wise keenly alive to their 
interest, are singularly 
thoughtless and imprudent 
in this. If a mare is broken 
down and unfit for labor, no 
matter how coarse, badly 
formed, or what the evidence 
of constitutional unsoundness, she is reserved to breed from. 
Again the cheapest horse, no matter how coarse if sleek 
and fat, is selected and employed to breed from. The most 
ignorant farmer is particular to select the largest and soun- 
dest potatoes, the cleanest wheat and oats, for seed, etc. 
He has learned this is ' 
true economy. Yet 
there seems to be the 
most utter disregard 
of this law of pru- 
dence in the breed- 
ing of horses and 
farm stock in general. 
During my long ex- 
perience before the 
public, I have en- 
deavored to impress 
upon farmers, when 
I could, that this sort 
of economy is like 
paying a quarter for a 

chicken, and giving a puU and Treacherous. 

dollar to have it taken home. 




BREEDING. 



107 



It costs just as much to raise a poor, coarse blooded colt, 
as a fine blooded one. The cost of feeding and care is 
really the same, the only difference in cost being in that of 
the use of the horse. The first will possibly sell when five 
years old and trained to harness, for from a hundred 
to a hundred and fifty dollars. The other is worth 
from three hundred to a thousand, and possibly more. 
The first will scarcely sell for the cost of feeding and 
care. The second ensures a large profit, and this for 
a little additional first cost. And then the satisfaction of 
having fine valuable animals, that can go along if necessary, 

able to do any kind 
of work easily, and 
saleable for a larger 
price, is a source of 
no ordinary pleasure 
and encouragement, 
if from no other 
feeling than that of 
contributing so 
largely to increased 
economy and wealth. 
The fact is, breeding 
from poor, unsound 
horses is so much a 
detriment, that it 
would be a damage 
to any one to be 
compelled to breed from such stock, if given for the purpose. 




Naturally Sensitive and Shy. 



IN RUSSIA, PRUSSIA AND AUSTRIA, 

the breeding of horses is controlled by the governments, 
each one having large breeding establishments, where those 
wishing, can procure sound stallions, devoid of all heredi- 
tary diseases. Each stallion is furnished with a certificate 
from the government. No other stallions are allowed to 
serve mares, under a penalty. The result is, that you will 
scarcely find an unsound horse, except by accidents, etc. 
Hereditary diseases, such as ophthalma, roaring, rupture, 
spavin, ringbone, curby hock, spongy feet, etc., scarcely 
known. It would be a source of undoubted economy and 
benefit to the breeders, if the legislature of each State would 



108 BREEDING. 

enact such laws, by appointing competent inspectors to 
grant licenses to those free from blemish or hereditary dis- 
eases or unsoundness. 

A few years' breeding, under such restrictions, would 
materially increase the value of horses in each State, and 
thus be a real blessing to owners and the country. 

In selecting a stallion, look first carefully at his head. The 
nostrils should be large and well defined ; eyes, that they 
are full, bright, and clear ; good breadth between the eyes ; 
the ears lively and rather short and tapering, and the head 
high between the ears; next, that the throat shows no en- 
largements of the glands, showing a disposition to be a 
whistler or roarer; next, the shoulder should be oblique, 
strong and high ; then the fore leg, see that it is not tied in 
(as it is termed) under the knee, for such are liable to 
spring; then the feet should be of good size, sufficient 
depth to be strong in the quarters; spongy and flat feet 
should be rejected; next, the loin should be strong, the 
back should be well coupled, quarters broad from point to 
point of hips, and running nearly straight out to root of 
tail ; stifle should stand low and well out ; hocks broad and 
strong; no pufls or wind galls, as it indicates weakness. 
As a colt from such a horse at an early age, may show indi- 
cations of blood spavin or thorough pin, look at the inside 
of the hock, an enlargement at the point of what is called 
a jack spavin or curb, enlargement on the back of the leg ; 
next, at the foot, that there is no enlargement at the edge 
of the hoof, known as ringbone; weak eyes, or blindness, 
poll evil, fistula of withers, or in fact any cause of unsound- 
ness should discard a stallion. I need not remind that the 
mare should be selected with the same care. Heaves, 
broken wind, and marked contraction of the feet should 
discard a horse, and I would by all means discard a bad 
tempered one. The horse should be in good health or con- 
dition. This implies that he has been subjected to moder- 
ate but regular exercise during the season. A horse that is 
driven hard and hurried from place to place, perhaps over- 
heated and made to cover from two to four or five mares a 
day, should be regarded as unsafe, and the colt liable to 
lack vitality. 

To be successful in breeding any particular variety of 
horses requires first decision as to the purpose for which 



THE MARE. 109 

intended. To be particular requires first, intention as to 
purpose for which intended. If heavy draft horses, evenly 
trotting roadsters, or ponies are required, select both dam 
and sire with special reference to the kind of stock wanted. 
If the mare is light boned or defective, select a heavier 
boned horse, one that possesses the contrast of greater 
strength or better points in that respect. But to ensure 
much certainty of what you would have, the mare and 
horse should be as nearly the type desired as possible, 
though not related. I would be very particular about dis- 
position and intelligence. The head should be broad 
between the eyes, muzzle small, short or middling short 
from eyes to ears. The smaller and rounder the eyes, the 
more positive will be the temper. (See cuts.) To have a 
horse sensitive, intelligent, courageous, and naturally docile, 
there must be large brain, the eye must be large, standing 
well out, and mild in expression. 

Of course it is understood that bad treatment will 

SPOIL THE BEST TEMPERED HORSES, AND GOOD TREATMENT 
WILL MAKE GOOD SAFE ANIMALS OF THE WORST. 

THE MARE. 

The mare is said to go with foal eleven months or three 
hundred days; but it is not uncommon for mares to have 
fully developed foals in much less time, and in many 
instances mares have been known to go four or five weeks 
beyond this time. Time should be so arranged in putting 
mares, that the colts will come at a time when there is "some 
grass, as the mare will do better not to be confined to dry 
feed. The virgin mare, or one that has not had a colt, for 
one season, must be put when she is found in season. The 
mare that has had a colt will be found in season, and should 
be put on the eighth or ninth day after foaling ; some prefer 
the eighth, others the eleventh. Good judges claim that it 
is dangerous to go beyond the tenth, as the mare is apt to 
come off her heat soon after, and if allowed to go to a later 
period, the sucking of the colt is likely to reduce the mare 
too much to allow conception to take place, and thus a 
year's service of the breeder is lost. 

After putting a mare, the days for trial are the ninth after 
service, the seventh after this, the fifth after this again. 



110 STABLING. 

Some commence again, commencing with the ninth day 
and follow up as before, making forty-two days. Twenty- 
one days being the period elapsing between a mare's going 
out of heat, and coming in again, making her periodical 
term thirty days. Twenty-one days is claimed to be suffi- 
cient to prove a mare. 

The mare and colt should be well fed, and protected 
from storms. The theory of working a mare hard, and 
half starving the colt, is the poorest kind of economy, 
since the mare needs generous feed and rest, to renew her 
strength and make her milk, by which of course the colt is 
nourished and made to grow. When size and strength will 
indicate that it is time to wean, which is usually in five or 
six months, put the colt in a quiet pasture, away from the 
mare, where it should be closely looked after. A little 
oats, (better if bruised,) should be given daily. 

The conclusion of careful breeders is, that it is much 
better for a colt to run in pasture, than to be confined in a 
stable. If the colt is intended for farm use, castration may 
be performed when six months old ; if, however, the withers 
are light, it should be postponed until the head and neck 
fills up to the degree required, and this may require from 
one to two years, or even more. If the head is large and 
heavy, early castration is advisable. Colts should be gen- 
erously fed, and protected from the inclemency of the 
weather in winter. They should be treated gently. May 
be broken early to harness, if treated gently and with care. 
This, however, is hazardous, as there is danger of over- 
driving young colts if they are driven at all. Many seem 
to take pride in trials to which they subject two or three , 
year old colts. It is not what they can do, but what they 
ought to be required to do. 

STABLING. 

Pure air is not only an absolute essential in securing and 
retaining the perfect health of horses, but is the cheapest 
and most easily available. The stable should be so located 
and constructed as to enable this most perfectly, as well as 
afford the greatest convenience and comfort, thus ensuring 
health and economy. It should be built on a dry, airy 
location, facing the south, large enough to give ample 



STABLING. Ill 

room, warm and well lighted, yet well ventilated. The 
stalls should be at least five feet wide for work horses, and 
if fine horses that are worked but little, they should be 
large enough to enable stepping around freely. If there is 
room, a box stall is the best, but it should not be close. 
The door, at least, should be made of slats, and a window 
above the head, so arranged that it can be thrown open to 
give light and ventilation. The door should be large, to 
preclude injury by striking the sides or hips against the 
posts, and there should be a reasonably large yard, which 
should be well fenced. If a manger and rack of the com- 
mon form across the stall is used, I would suggest an im- 
provement upon that in general use. 

First. It should be so constructed that the horse cannot 
waste the feed while eating, yet should not be very high — 
the top about three and a half feet from the floor. 

The rack, instead of sloping out over the head of the 
horse, should stand straight, or perpendicular, which will 
prevent hay seed and dust from falling upon the horse's 
head, and enable catching and pulling the hay more easily 
from the rack, and the back so inclined forward that the 
hay will all the time be in the horse's reach. The bottom 
should be open like the front, so that the dust can drop 
through to the floor. 

The best form of manger I have seen, both for conve- 
nience, safety and health, is that so constructed that there 
is an alley in front of the head. The place for hay is a 
sort of box, on one side of which is a feed box, which 
should be large enough to prevent throwing the feed out 
while eating. The hitching ring should be on the off or 
farther side, to prevent the strap being caught by the foot. 
The manger should be about on a level with the shoulders. 
The nearer the horse is made to imitate his position when 
eating in the field the better. But this is not admissible in 
the construction of the manger, since the horse would 
waste the feed. This form of feeding box and manger is 
cleaner. There is not that temptation to give more hay at 
a time than the horse may need. The manger can be 
reached easily and safely; in feeding the hay is easily 
thrown upon the floor, where it can be easily shaken up 
and thrown fresh and palatable -to the horse. It obviates 
the usual temptation of a receptacle under the manger, in 



112 STABLING. 

which to pack, during the day, a lot of poisonous bedding, 
and finally there is the best of ventilation, as the air can 
freely circulate in front of the manger. Every stable should 
have a sort of chimney, or opening at the top, to allow of 
the bad air to pass out freely. The windows should be so 
placed as to admit light enough that the ordinary work of 
the stable can be done without opening the doors, which 
should have shutters to enable darkening the stable if ne- 
cessary, when flies are troublesome, or to permit sleep in 
the day time, which is often necessary. The walls, if any, 
in front should not be whitewashed, as is often done, as 
pure white would injure the eyes. The color should be 
made neutral by adding some brown or other coloring m.at- 
ter. A cellar stable, unless so constructed as to enable at 
all times the most perfect ventilation, is dangerous : yet one 
of the best stables I have seen was what would be termed a 
cellar stable, which was simply a series of box mangers 
running across the whole size of the building, with a pas- 
sage-way running lengthwise through the centre, thus giving 
free access to each range from the end, from which was a 
run -way to the floor above ; but there was a series of little 
open grates around the entire room near the ceiling, which 
gave perfect ventilation. A special point I would call at- 
tention to, viz. : not having, on any condion, a stall so 
constructed as to have a stone or brick wall on one side, or 
have the naked wall form one side of a stall. The temper- 
ature of one side is so much lower than that of the other, 
that derangement of the circulation must result, causing 
cold and injury that is often the cause of spoiling a valuable 
horse. If a stall is so located, line the wall with plank. 
The construction of farmer's stables is generally bad, the 
stalls being too narrow and short, the hay rack too high, 
and the top part standing too far forward over the head. 
In many cases they are but little better than a close, dark 
box, without any adequate means of ventilation when the 
doors are closed, and if they are open there is usually so 
much draft of air as to cause cold, just as those occupying 
a close, warm room are made to feel keenly any sudden 
current of cold air that may be admitted into the room by 
too suddenly throwing the doors open while warm. The 
sudden influx of cold air would check perspiration and close 
the pores of the skin, thereby endangering some acute form 
of inflammation. 



FEEDING. 113 

Again, the stables are usually built over a cellar, which is 
perhaps half filled with water and manure that throws up- 
ward through the floor a deadly miasma that lays the found- 
ation of disease. The rack is crammed with hay, the dust 
and dirt of which is forced against the horse's nose. The 
manger is half filled with filth and trash. The bedding, 
thoroughly impregnated with ammonia, is rolled under 
the manger in the morning, to saturate and poison the hay 
above it in the rack, or such other food as may be given the 
animal. The usual bad ventilation and high temperature 
of cellar stables make too great and violent a change in the 
temperature when taken in or out, and the consequence will 
be cold cough, with great disposition to attacks of pneu- 
monia, or lung fever. Humanity and true self interest 
should prompt to looking to these errors being corrected in 
the construction of the horse's places of living, and as these 
ends can be attained without any extra expense worthy of 
consideration that is necessary for the construction of a 
poor one, it is a duty which is a really suicidal policy to 
neglect. 

I would suggest, in conclusion, that the flooring of stalls. 
or a stable should never be made of hard wood, such as 
oak, ash, chestnut, etc., as it wears smooth and endangers 
slipping and injury of the horse in getting up. The best 
wood for flooring is elm, spruce, hard pine, hemlock, or 
any wood that will wear rough and prevent slipping. 

FEEDING. 

Hay, corn fodder, oats and corn, constitute the principal 
food of horses in this country. Hay and oats in the North- 
ern States, fodder and corn in the South. The food should 
be in quality and quantity to impart strength, vitality and 
elasticity, and this requires some discrimination and care, 
as the food should be harmonized both to the condition, 
and the severity of the labor to which the horse is sub- 
jected. As a rule, the stomach should not be distended 
with food when prolonged, energetic effort is desired, as the 
heart and lungs would thereby be much impeded in their 
action, and. congestion and rupturing of or enlarging of the 
air cells of the lungs may result. This is to be especially 
guarded against in the feeding of hay. Greedy eaters can 



114 FEEDING. 

and will gorge themselves by eating so much hay as to be 
unfit for active labor, and is usually shown to result in 
heaves or broken wind. Heaves are always found in the 
teamsters' or carters' stables, where there is no care in feed- 
ing. This disease is always found among horses of the 
above class, but never found among racing horses, from the 
fact that the utmost prudence and care is used in selecting 
the food, and feeding in smaller quantities, or in adapting 
the food more perfectly to the wants of the system. 

It has been demonstrated beyond doubt that the reason 
horses improve so much in wind by eating prairie hay is, 
that it is so coarse that horses cannot eat it fast enough to 
overload the stomach. The quantity of hay should be 
carefully regulated, and never as much given as the horse 
will eat if at all voracious. The majority of owners pack a 
large rack full, allowing either liberty to eat too much, or 
making it unpalatable and unhealthy, by being breathed 
upon. From eight to ten pounds is about the average 
quantity for an ordinary roadster to be allowed in twenty- 
four hours, more or less, according to size, the kind of 
work, and the quantity of grain given. Dusty or mouldy 
hay should not be fed, as it is liable to produce various forms 
of disease. 

All food should be clean, and in quality perfect. Hay is 
most perfect when it is about a year old. Horses would 
perhaps prefer earlier, but it is neither so wholesome nor so 
nutritious, and may purge. When it is a year old it should 
retain much of its green color and agreeable smell.* The 
blades of corn pulled and cured in the summer are unques- 
tionably much better than hay. I should certainly prefer 
this kind of fodder to any kind of hay, for fine horses. It 
is strange that it is not prized more highly in the North. 

Oats make more muscle than corn. Corn makes fat and 
warmth. Hence, the colder the weather, the more corn 
may be given, and the harder the work, the more oats. 
Oats should be a year old, heavy, dry and sweet. New 
oats will weigh from ten to fifteen per cent, more than old 
ones; but the difference is principally water. New oats are 
said to be more difficult to digest, and when in considerable 

* Note 1. — In packing or stacking hay. salt should be slightly sprinkled 
through it so as to detroy insects. It also aids in preserving it bright, and makes 
it more palatable and healthy for the horse. 



FEEDING. 115 

quantity are apt to cause flatulency and derangement of the 
stomach and bowels. The same may be said of corn. If not 
sound and dry, it may be regarded even much more dan- 
gerous than oats, and should not be fed. Doing so will be 
at the hazard of the consequences above mentioned. 

The quantity of oats given daily may vary from eight to 
sixteen quarts. If the horse is large, and the work is severe, 
a little more may be given. Corn should be fed in the ear, 
and like oats niust be regulated in quantity to the size and 
labor of the animal ; from five to twelve good sized ears are 
a feed. I give a larger proportion of feed at night, and less 
in the morning and noon. There is ample time for diges- 
tion during the night. There is not during the day, if the 
labor is severe. Experience proves that some mildly cooling 
laxative food should be occasionally given. A bran mash, 
made by pouring boiling water on eight or ten quarts of 
wheat bran, covered over until cool and fed at night, from 
once to three times a week, is the finest and best. 

Carrots are a good laxative and alterative before frost, 
but are too cold and constipating during cold weather. They 
may be fed in October, November and December, but in 
the Northern States not later. (I am governed by the 
judgment of one of the best veterinary surgeons in the 
United States, based upon careful and critical observation 
of effects on a large number of horses, on this point.) I 
feed Irish potatoes, from one to three quarts, with the usual 
quantity of grain, from two to three or four times a week, 
and would recommend their use. Think their value cannot 
be over-estimated. Feeding a small quantity of roots and 
giving bran mashes, keeps the bowels open and the system 
in a uniform, healthy condition. Without them constipa- 
tion is probable, and this is one of the primary causes of 
diarrhoea, colic, or inflammation of the bowels. If it is 
desired to make a horse fat in a short time, feed corn meal 
and shorts, with cut straw, to which add a pint of cheap 
molasses. Nothing like this for recruiting and filling up a 
horse that is out of sorts or poor. If the horse eats too fast, 
put a few round stones in the feed box. He must now pick 
the food from among the stones, and thus he is compelled 
to eat slowly. 

If the horse is exhausted, or when sufficient time cannot 
be allowed for him to eat and partially digest a full meal, 



116 WATERING. 

he may be greatly refreshed by a draught of warm gruel, or 
in summer, of cold water containing a small quantity of 
meal. To give some idea of the routine of feeding and 
watering when great care is necessary, I include the system 
of feeding and watering Mr. Bonner's famous trotting horse, 
Dexter : 

'' At six every morning, Dexter has all the water he wants, 
and two quarts of oats. After eating, he is ' walked ' for 
half an hour or more, then cleaned off, and at nine has two 
quarts more of oats. If no drive is on the card for after- 
noon, he is given a half to three-quarters of an hour of 
gentle exercise. At one o'clock he has oats again, as before, 
limited to two quarts. 

" From three to four, he is driven twelve to fifteen miles ; 
after which he is cleaned off and rubbed thoroughly dry. 

" He has a bare swallow of water on returning from the 
drive, but is allowed free access to his only feed of hay^ of 
which he consumes from five to six pounds. 

''If the drive has been a particularly sharp one, he is 
treated as soon as he gets in, to a quart or two of oat meal 
gruel; and when thoroughly cooled, has half a pail of 
water and three quarts of oats, with two quarts of bran 
moistened with hot water. 

"Before any specially hard day's work or trial of his 
speed, his allowance of water is still more reduced." 

^WATEKING. 

If a large quantity of cold water is taken into the stomach 
while the system is agitated and sensitive, by the circulation 
being so increased as to open the pores of the skin freely, 
it is liable to so chill the stomach as to derange the circula- 
tion and close the pores of the skin, and thus excite some 
one of the common alimentary derangements of colic or 
inflammation of the bowels. Hard water, especially cold 
well water, is more liable to cause mischief in this way than 
soft water. Hard water will derange some horses, so much 
as to show an almost immediate effect of causing the hair to 
look rough or stare, the appetite deranged, if not indeed 
preceded by colic or inflammation of the bowels; also, 
horses that are raised and worked in the country, where the 
water is strongly impregnated with lime, are troubled a 



WATERING. *117 

good deal with intestinal calculi, /. e., stone in the bladder. 
Hence soft water should be given, if convenient; and if 
well water, especially while warm, it should either have the 
chill taken off or be given very sparingly. 

The best time to water is about half an hour before feed- 
ing. While driving, the rule should be little and often. 
None, or only a swallow or two, should be given at the 
close of a drive, until cool. If very warm, the horse should 
be walked moderately where there is not a current of air to 
strike him, from ten to thirty minutes, as may be found 
necessary. If, then, any danger is apprehended, the chill 
should be taken off the water if very cold and given sparingly " 
a few swallows at a time. The common custom is to give 
about a half bucket of water. The safest course would be 
to give less and repeat. The rule should be, for ordinary 
use, to give small quantities often during the day, and the 
animal to pursue his journey or labor immediately after. If 
allowed to stand, the system may be chilled. The absor- 
bents are closed, which is the common cause of Laminitis 
or Founder, although this disease may not develop itself 
until twelve or twenty-four hours afterwards, and any cause 
which will chill the system — either cold winds or cold 
water — while the animal is warm, will be almost sure to 
produce the above disease. 



TEACHING TRICKS. 



Do not hurry a horse too fast in his training. If you 
undertake to teach too much, or too fast in the start, or 
indeed at any time, you only confuse or discourage. Do 
only so much as the horse can comprehend, and make daily 
progress. 

TEACHING TO FOLLO^W. 

If it is desired to simply teach the horse to follow prompt- 
ly with halter or bridle on, apply the war bridle (small 
loop); when he comes round promptly, stand off a short 
distance and say, '' Come here, sir." If he does not come 
to you, give a sharp pull, gradually changing positions and 
going a little farther. If he comes to you promptly, caress 
him; if not, pull sharply, repeating in this way until you 
can make him come to you promptly, in any direction, at 
the word. 

TO MAKH FOLLCW ^WITH THE ^WHIP. 

The simplest and easiest way of doing this, is to work up 
sharply with the war bridle, and when the horse comes to 
you promptly, take a short, blunt whip, step up to the 
shoulder, and while holding the bridle loosely in the left 
hand, pass the whip gently over the shoulder, and tap 
lightly with the end on the off side of the head. This will 
annoy the horse and cause him to move the head a little 
from it, toward you; instantly stop and caress, then repeat 
the tapping again; should he attempt to run from you, 
hold him by the bridle. Repeat in this way until the horse 
will step toward you promptly. Then touch the whip over 
the hips and say, " Come, sir." If he comes up to you, or 
shows the least disposition to do so, caress, and so continue 
until he will come up promptly. Now step a little sidewise 
and ahead and say, '' Come, sir." If he should step after 



TEACHING TRICKS. 119 

yoUj caress, if not, touch the lash over the hips. In a short 
time the horse will learn to step to you, and follow promptly 
When he will do this, stand him in a corner of the room, 
stand a little in front of him and touch him lightly with the 
whip on the fore-legs and say, " Come here, sir." At the 
least intimation of coming, stop and caress. Then repeat, 
touching with the whip. If he moves to you a little, stop 
and caress, and in this way repeat until he will come to you 
promptly. Then get a little farther from him and repeat in 
the same manner until he will learn to hurry up to you, to 
get away from the whip. Should he bolt away, put on the 
bridle, and hold the end in the left hand. You can now 
hold him by the bridle when he attempts to run, until he 
finds he cannot get away, and will come up promptly. 

This lesson should be made very thorough before there is 
an attempt to take the horse out of doors, and then in a 
small yard. If this is not convenient, put on the bridle, 
having good length of cord, and hold in the left hand 
loosely. 

If the horse is of a bad character, the following method 
may be used : Turn the horse into a room or small yard well 
enclosed. Provide yourself with a good bow whip. The 
horse will feel uneasy and look around at you, and then 
perhaps for some place by which to escape. Walk up to 
him, and as he runs into a corner apply the lash sharply 
under his flanks, following him up, making the whip sting 
keenly around the hind legs. When he stops or turns his 
head toward you, stop instantly, reach out the hand, at the 
same time approaching gently. Should he run or turn 
around to kick, whip instantly as before, and so continue 
until you can approach and caress the head and neck a little. 
Then say, ''Come, sir," at the same time touching the 
whip lightly over the hips. If he comes, or shows the least 
disposition to do so, caress and speak encouragingly. If 
he runs, whip as before, and so repeat until the horse will 
come up promptly when touched by the whip. 

As the object is to make the horse honest in following, 
it is necessai^ to make him feel that you whip him only for 
resistance, encouraging and flattering for every intimation 
of obedience, until he realizes his safety from the whip to 
be in coming to you. 



120 TEACHING TRICKS. 



TO LIE DOWIT. 



Tie the bridle reins into a knot back of the neck. Throw 
your strap over the back, under the body, and tie to the 
near foot, below the fetlock. Now pass the right hand well 
over the back and take a short hold of the strap. Cause 
the horse to step toward you and pull the foot up. Then 
pass the left hand around the reins and pull back and down 
upon them in such a manner as to turn the head a little to 
the off-side, at the same time pulling down steadily but 
firmly on the strap over the back with the right hand. As 
the horse goes down, gradually pull the near rein, so as to 
bring the head to the left, at the same time pressing down 
and from you firmly with the right, until the horse will lie 
down. Pass the end of the strap now through the ring of 
the bit and draw through gently, step over the neck, and as 
the horse attempts to get up, pull him back, until he lies 
quiet. Rub and caress him, and after lying a few minutes, 
say, '^Get up, sir." Repeat in this way for a few times 
until the horse will lie down readily. Then while holding 
him on or near the knee with the strap, hit him on the skin 
of the other with a little whip, until he will bring it under 
and lie down. After awhile he can be made to come on 
his knees and lie down by simply pulling the head down a 
little and hitting the skins with the whip, at the same time 
saying, ■'' Lie down, sir," repeating until the horse will lie 
down to the motion of the whip. This is about the easiest 
and most practical way of teaching a horse to lie down. 

TO SIT DP. 

When the horse will lie down promptly, put on him a 
common collar, and while being down take two pieces of 
rope, or anything suitable, about ten feet each in length. 
Tie the ends around the hind feet, carry them forward be- 
tween the fore legs and bring them once around the collar. 

Now step on his tail, take the bridle reins in the right 
hand, while you hold the ends of the ropes firmly in the 
left. Give a little jerk on the reins and say, " Get up, sir." 
When the horse throws out the forward feet and springs to 
raise himself on the hind feet, he finds himself unable to 
complete the effort, on account of the hind feet being tied 



TEACHING TRICKS. 121 

forward under him, and so he brings himself in a sitting 
position. Instantly step forward, holding the ropes firmly, 
rub and caress the head and neck a little for a few seconds, 
then as you see the effort to keep up becoming tiresome, let 
loose and say, ^' Get up, sir." By repeating in this way a 
few times the horse will soon learn to sit up when com- 
manded without being tied. 

TO MAKE A BOW. 

Take a pin in your right hand, between the thumb and 
fore-finger, stand before, but a little to the left, of your 
horse, and prick him on the breast lightly. This produces 
the sensation of a fly biting, to relieve which he will bring 
down his head, which you will accept as yes, and reward 
for by caressing and feeding as before. Then repeat, and 
so continue until he will bring his head down the moment 
he sees the least motion of the hand toward his breast, or 
you can substitute some signal which he will understand 
readily. 

TO SAY ]sro. 

Stand near the left shoulder, holding the pin in your 
hand, with which prick him lightly on the withers, which 
will cause him to shake his head. You then caress as 
before, and so repeating, until he will shake his head at the 
least indication of touching him with the pin ; you can 
train your horse so nicely in this way in a short time as to 
cause him to shake his head or bow by merely turning the 
hand a little, or moving it slightly toward him. 

TO KISS YOU. 

Teach him first to take a piece of apple out of your 
hand. Then gradually raise the hand nearer your mouth, 
at each repetition, until you require him to take it from 
your mouth, holding it with the hand, telling him at the 
same time to kiss you. He will soon learn to reach his nose 
up to your mouth ; first to get the apple, but finally, because 
commanded to do so. Simply repeat until the horse under- 
stands the trick thoroughly. 
6 



122 TEACHING TRICKS. 

TEACHING A HORSE TO DANCE, 

Put on the war bridle ; hold the cord some four or five 
feet from the horse's head, and with a whalebone whip tap 
him on the shin or ankle until he lifts his foot, then caress 
him, and do the same with the other, making him raise 
first one foot, then the other, then stop and caress. Next, 
make him raise them several times, until he moves his 
whole body by the motion of the whip to the time of 
music. Caress and encourage frequently. 

TEACHING A HORSE TO ^^ALTZ. 

After he has learned to dance, put a surcingle around his 
chest and fasten the bridle-reins to it, the left rein much 
the tightest, bringing his head well around to the left side. 
Then make him move forward, when he follows his head, 
and every time as he is turning his head from you give him 
a sharp cut with the whip, which will make him jump round 
quickly until his head comes around to you again. Then 
you should caress and encourage him by talking kindly, pat- 
ting and feeding him. He will then be slower to move his 
head from you, but you must continue with the whip every 
time the horse's hind parts are toward you and his head 
from you, caressing every few minutes until he understands 
to move at the motion of the whip. Patient and careful 
practice in this way will make your horse prompt and grace- 
-ful in his movements. 



SHOEING 



The hoof of the horse, in a state of nature, is adapted 
only to a grassy surface. Here the natural wear and tear of 
the hoof is just compensated by its growth. When the 
wear is made greater than this, by driving on hard roads, 
the horn is worn down so rapidly that the vascular part of 
the foot would soon be exposed, and the horse would in 
consequence become lame. 

Shoeing includes, first, the duty of preparing the feet for 
the shoes ; second, forming the shoes to the feet, so as to be 
most exact in size, weight and fitting to that part of the 
hoof, and that only, that is shown by experience to be best 
able to bear the pressure and strain of the shoe without in- 
jury, and preserve its form and bearing best; and, third, 
that v/hen injury and lameness result, the cause, at least, 
should be removed, and a reasonable effort made to restore 
the parts to a state of health. 

That part of the foot which is visible, and to which the 
shoe is fastened, is called the hoof. It is simply a thin 
covering of horn to the delicate but pov/erful mechanism 
of the internal structure of the foot, and for convenience of 
description is divided into three parts, the wall, sole and frog. 

THE FOOT. 

There are other minor points, a full description of which 
is not essential to our object here, such as the toe, heels, 
bars, commissures, etc. The outer crust, or wall, is a sim- 
ple piece of horn, of from a quarter to three-eighths of an 
inch in thickness, increasing in thickness from the quarters 
to the toe, where it is thickest and grows fastest, in order to 
bear the increased wear upon this part. If this horn were 
cut into and examined with a microscope, it would be found 
to be made up of a large number of little tubes, or hairs, 
cemented together; that they can be split apart like the 
fibers of wood, and that the horn increases in hardness and 
density from the inner surface to that of the outer, the inner 



124 



STRUCTURE OF THE FOOT. 





(No. 1.) (No. 2.) 

a The external crust seen at the quarter. a a The frog. 

6 The coronary ring, c The little horny plates b The sole, 

lining the crust, d The same continued over c c The bars, 

the bars, e e The two concave surfaces of the d d The crust, 

inside of the horny frog. / That which ex- 
ternally is the cleft of the frog, g The bars. 
h The rounded part of the heels, belonging to 
the frog. 

surface being quite soft, while the outer surface is hard and 
smooth. 

If we now look at the sole, we will find it from one-eighth 
to three-sixteenths of an inch thick, a little arched, of a 
dense yielding texture, joined firmly to the lower and inner 





(No. 3.) Interior of a Healthy Foot. 



(No. 4.) Sole of Hind Foot. 



edge of the wall. At the center, occupying the space be- 
tween the heels, and extending well forward to a point 
towards the toe, is a softer and thicker formation of horn, 
admitting of great elasticity, which is the frog. (See cut 
No. 2.) Between the frog and its connection, with the sole, 
on each side, is a little strip of hard horn, extending from 
the heels forward, called bars, which are a continution of 



STRUCTURE OF THE FOOT. 



125 




(No. 5.) 

a Coronet. 

& Sensible lamellae. 



the outer wall. From the outside 
there seems to be a deep notch, on 
each side, cut down between the 
bars and frog, which are called com- 
missures, the whole showing the 
most admirable arrangement for 
strength and elasticity. The frog, 
being of a soft, elastic nature, acts 
as a cushion in protecting the sensi- 
tive parts over it from being bruised 
or injured, while the direction of the 
bars make them braces for keeping 
the heels in place. Connecting the 
internal parts of the foot with the 
hoof, is a strong muscular structure, 

arranged so as to afford great expansion, as well as 
strength. That connecting with the wall of the hoof is 
named sensible laminae, and that between the coffin bone 
and sole sensible sole and frog. This mus- 
cular structure has mingled 
through it a complete net- 
work of nerves and blood- 
vessels. Hence we see that 
in any way producing pressure 
or restraint upon the wall or 
sole, so as to bruise this soft 
structure, will cause inflam- 
mation, and result in soreness, 
change of structure and lame- 
ness, to a greater or less 
extent, in proportion to the 
extent of the injury. 

The healthy foot is the best 
model for guidance, and the 
object should be in preparing 
the foot for the shoe, to sim- 
ply bring it back to its natural 
form and bearing. If the toe is too long, 
or the heels too high, or there is an unusual 
accumulation of old horn on the sole, re- 
move so much as will restore the foot to its 
natural proportions and bearing. 

If the shoes have been on a month, cut 




View of the veins 
of the Frog and 
Sole, injected. 




(No. 7.) 

View of arteries of 

the Foot. 

1. Vein. 

2. Plantar artery. 

3. Branches to the 
coronary substance 
and laminae. 

4. Posterior divi- 
sion of plantur ar- 
tery. 

5. Perpendicular 
branch. 



126 



STRUCTURE OF THE FOOT. 



away the horn grown more or less, according to the 
length of time the shoes have been on and the quantity 
of horn grown. If the foot is in a healthy condition, 
it is seldom necessary to interfere with the sole and frog. 
The sole and frog throw off horn by a natural process of 
expoliation ; but sometimes the shoe extends so close and 
so far over the sole as to prevent this old horn from either 
wearing or scaling off. When this is the case, it should be 
dressed out, particularly at the heels, at the angles formed 
between the bars and crust. The buttress is usually so large 
and square edged as to make it unsuitable for doing this. 
Even with the greatest care, it is difficult, with such an in- 
strument, to prevent cutting away too 
much at some points, while there 
cannot be enough cut away at others. 
An English shave, with the end turned 
back, like that of an instrument with 
which to mark boards, is just the thing 
for this purpose. While the object, 
in the first place, should be to reduce 
the hoof to its natural size, care should 
be used not to cut away too much of 
the wall; for, bear in mind, cutting 
away too much must bring the shoe 
against the sole, and forces driving the 
nails too deep into the wall of the 
hoof, if not into the vascular part in- 
side, which would not only cause 
lameness, but be liable to induce the 
secretion of matter, and very serious 
consequences would follow. (See 
Causes of Lameness.) And besides, 
forcing so many nails into this thin 
horn weakens it so much that by a few 

repetitions of such shoeing it becomes difficult to nail on 
shoes with any certainty of being held to the foot very long 
and, of course 
increased. 

The bearing surface should be leveled down carefully and 
left a little higher than the sole, so that there can be no 
bearing of the sole upon the shoe. If the foot is flat and 




A Sound Fore-foot, prepared 
for the Shoe. 

a The heel of the crust. 6 
The toe cut out to receive the 
clip, c c The quarters of the 
crust, d d The bars as they 
should be left, with the full 
frog between them, e e The 
angles between the heel and 
bars, where corns appear. // 
The concave surface of the 
toe. g g The bulbous heels. 
h The cleft. 



the more re-nailing the more the mischief is 



will not bear this, then the shoe must be lowered 



ide of 



HINTS ON SHOEING. 127 

the part coming under the wall, so that the sole will not 
touch it. No definite rule can be given by which to explain 
just how much to cut away, or the limit. If the heels are 
strong and upright, they should be cut down so that the 
bearing will be level and . the hoof appear natural. (See 
cut 8.) 

The next aim is to form and fit the shoe so as to approxi- 
mate it to the size and bearing of the foot and work of the 
horse. If the hoof is thin shelled and the horse is not 
worked much, the shoe should be light; but if the work is 
hard, more weight will be necessary. No general rule will 
apply here. The shoer is to understand that if the foot -is 
properly prepared as directed, the shoe must be made big 
enough to just come out even with the edge of the hoof from 
the toe to the turn of the heels, becoming a little wider at 
the extremity of the heels, for as the foot enlarges by growth, 
the shoe is brought forward under the heels until it loses its 
original proportion and becomes too short and narrow, to 
allow for which the shoe should be as much wider and lon- 
ger than the foot at the heels (about a quarter of an inch) 
as it is supposed the foot will grow in the time it is inten- 
ded to keep the shoes on before being re-set. The bearing 
surface of the shoe should be perfectly level, and only so 
much of the shoe as comes under the 
wall of the hoof should touch the foot. 
Either the foot must be prepared so 
that the shoe cannot come down to the 
sole, or that part of the shoe coming 
inside the wall of the hoof must be so 
hammered down that the sole cannot 
possibly touch the shoe. (See cuts 
8 and 9.) 

This requires being exact, no guess- 
(No. 9.) Shoe, inner sur- ing or coming '^ pretty near ' ' the thing 
?on\acTwuL*oVoU'ot and nailing on. The shoe should be 
so fitted that when laid on a level sur- 
face every part of the bearing surface would touch, and it 
should fit equally well to the foot. 




128 



SHOES ARE MADE CONCAVE. 



SHOES ARE MADE CONCAVE. 



If the shoe as usually fitted is examined, the bearing sur- 
face at the heels will be found concave or the inner edge 
of each heel much the lowest ; not only this, but often the 
heels are carried back too far, or the shoe is so wide that 
the heels rest on the seating inside of where fitted to sup- 
port the heels. 

It is evident that if the bearing surface at the heels is 
concave, there is a natural tendency as weight is thrown 
upon the foot to have the heels crowded together. 




(No. 10.) Shoe Properly Fitted. 

With the foot properly prepared and the shoe properly 
fitted to it, the next important consideration is nailing it to 
the hoof. As the hoof is continually growing and becom- 
ing proportionately larger than the shoe, this must be done 
if possible so as not to bring lateral restraint upon the quar- 
ters, and this implies attention to the location of the nail 
holes. If the smith were to examine the thickness of the 
hoof of an ordinary well-bred horse, he would perhaps be 
surprised at its thinness, and he would see the importance, 
in the first place, of making the holes near the edge well 
forward in the toe, and of not putting the shoe so far under 
the shell as to compel his driving the nails too deeply 
into it, or of having the nails so large as to split and shatter 
the hoof. If the nail holes are made well into the shoe, 
and the shoe should be a little narrow or short, and be set 



SHOES ARE MADE CONCAVE. 129 

well under the hoof, the nails must be driven very near, or 
into the quick, which must result in serious lameness or in- 
jury. Two points, therefore, must be kept in view by the 




(No. 11.) Bearing Surface Level. 

smith in punching the nail holes. First, making them so 
far forward in the toe as to prevent needless restraint upon 
the quarters. Second, so near the edge of the shoe as not 
to endanger driving the nails too deep in the crust. The 
nails should not be large, nor a greater number driven than 
is barely necessary to retain the shoe. 

It must be remembered that, at best, the hoof is greatly 
shattered by the nails; that the horn is thickest at the toe, 
and the nailing well back to the quarters not only exposes 
to greater danger of prickir^g, but causes an injurious pres- 
sure upon the heels. If the horse is not used much, and 
the heels are rather square and upright, the quarters must be 
kept free. Have the nail holes made well forward on both 
sides, three on the inner and four on the outer side, or 
nail well back on the outside quarter, but well forward in 
0* 



130 



EXCESSIVE RASPING BAD. 



the toe inside. As the foot now grows, the shoe will be 
carried to that side and forward, leaving the inside quarter 
free, thereby making both quarters as independent of the 




(No. 12.) Ground Surface— Position of Nails. 

restraint of the shoe as it is possible to do. Any increase 
in the number of nails to retain the shoe more firmly must 
not imply freedom to drive them back in the quarters. Let 
the holes be punched closer together in the toe. 

EXCESSIVE RASPING BAD. 



Care should be used not to file too deeply under the 
clinches, as is common ; and in finishing off, the file should 
not be touched above the clinches, and below only enough 
to round the toe a little. There is a penchatit in most 
smiths to improve the shape of the foot by rasping and fil- 
ing the whole surface to the hair. The outside of the hoof 
is much more dense and hard than the inside; the small 
spaces between the fibres of the horn are filled with a soft 



EXCESSIVE RASPING BAD. 131 

substance — the better to prevent a too rapid evaporation of 
moisture. If the whole surface of the hoof is rasped, the 
best part is not only likely to be cut away, but too rapid 
evaporation takes place, and the hoof is not only thereby 
weakened, but becomes dry, hard and contracted. If the 
horse is not used much, and stands on dry plank, this con- 
dition must be produced. 





(No. 13.) (No. 14.) 

Foot Properly shod, and a foot that has been rasped down too much, in order to 
fit the shoe, which is too small for it. 

There is a very grave fault in the fitting and nailing of 
shoes, namely : if they happen to be too short, of setting 
them well back from the toe, which not only necessitates 
driving the nails so deep into the hoof as to prick and lame 
the animal, but also destroys the proportion of the foot by 
cutting down the toe too much. (See cuts 13 and 14.) 
Smiths seem to think it necessary to cut the hoof down to 
the shoe, no matter how far under the shell it may be. 
This is wrong, as the shoe is now pressing upon and nailed 
to the inside or soft part of the shell, which of itself leads 
to soreness and derangement. (See cuts 9 and 10.) In 
the first place the hoof should not be cut away too much in 
preparing for the shoe, but should leave plenty of strong, 
hard horn, through which to nail. In the second place, the 
shoe should come out even with the hoof; and third, the 
nails should be driven deep enough to hold firmly. Some 
shoers have a faculty of going from one extreme to the 
other by driving the nails so near the outer edge of the 
crust that there is almost certainty of breaking through. 
(See cuts 15 and 16.) Illustrative of this see cut 15 ; the 
hold of the nail is not deep enough; whereas in 16 the nail 
is started deep and comes out low, getting a good, strong 



132 



CONTRACTION OF THE FEET. 



hold, and not endangering driving into the quick. There 
should be no effort to cut down the hoof in any away that 
would weaken it, or destroy its natural appearance and 
bearing 




(No. 15.) 
Nails driven too straight. 




(No. 16.) 
How to nail the Shoe. 



CONTKACTION OF THE FEET. 

If we examine the foot in its natural, healthy state, it will 
be found almost round, and very elastic at the heel. The 
frog broad, plump, and of a soft, yielding character. The 
commissures open and well defined, and the sole concave. 
The outside of the crust, from the heel to the toe, increased 
i"rom a slight bevel to an angle of about forty-five degrees. 
In a state of contraction the heels are narrow and high, the 
commissures closed and the frog small, and from bad shoe- 
ing a marked change in size and form. Corns, or bruising 
of the sole at the heels, or any difficulty causing lameness, 
is induced by inflammation. Now, any cause by which the 
sensible sole or muscular structure uniting the coffin-bone to 
the wall of the hoof is bruised and inflamed, leads to either 
decomposition and the formation of matter, thickening of 
cartilage, or growth of bony formation. 

The most common cause of inflammation, producing 
change of structure and lameness, is contraction. It is 
evident that the more horn is grown the wider and longer 
the foot becomes, and the more cut away the narrower and 
shorter it is made. If a shoe be fitted accurately to a foot 
after being trimmed and prepared carefully, it would be 
found in a few weeks to be much too short and narrow or 
too small for the same foot. 

The foot is continually growing and losing its original 



SHOES CONCAVE INJURIOUS. 133 

proportions with the shoe, which, in four or five weeks, 
becomes at least a quarter of an inch wider and longer than 
it was when dressed. Now there must be not only special 
provision made in nailing for this increased enlargement, 
but the greatest care should be used not to permit any- 
lateral, mechanical pressure upon the quarters that would 
restrict their freedom. 

It must be observed that shoeing first raises the frog from 
contact with the ground, which, of itself, removes an im- 
portant auxiliary to health in the foot; second, that nailing 
the shoe to the sides of the hoof brings direct restraint 
upon the quarters with increased force, and to the degree 
that this nailing is extended to the heels and the foot 
increases in size by growth, is the foot contracted by the 
restraint thus unavoidably produced. 

SHOES CONCAVE I]SrjUKIOUS. 

There is also another cause of derangement requiring 
special notice, namely : the bearing surface at the heels is 
usually inclined inward, or the inside edge is much lower 
than the outer edge, often quite or more than a sixteenth 
of an inch, which alone is sufficient to cause serious con- 
traction. In addition to which the increased absorption of 
moisture, induced both by inflammation and by keeping the 
feet dry, tends directly to this end, since the dryer and 
harder horn becomes, the more lessened in size. Of course, 
if direct pressure is brought upon the foot, by which the 
vascular structure beneath the shell is bruised and inflamed, 
lameness and ultimate change of structure must ensue, 
which, if permitted, may cause serious or even incurable 
lameness. 

There is one peculiarity about contraction that seems to 
puzzle even good practitioners, which is the increased 
growth of the heels. The heels grow down rapidly, and 
the shell becomes very thick, while the frog becomes small 
and hard. If cut No. i6 is examined, the sole will be seen 
to be arched. Now it is evident if the quarters are pressed 
together, this bending of the sole upward is increased, 
bringing increased pressure upon the suspensory ligaments 
and coffin-joint, and force the coffin-joint upward and for- 
ward against the hoof at its upper edge. 



134 SHOES CONCAVE INJURIOUS. 

Now if you look at cut No. 7, you will discover an artery- 
passing down each side of the leg, which divides above the 
hoof into two branches, one forward around the edge of 
the hoof, and another back to the heel, which again throw 
off innumerable branches. The office of these arteries is 
to supply material for the growth of horn. Now the pres- 
sure induced upon the coffin-bone by the pressing of the 
sole against it as before explained, forces the coffin-bone 
against the upper edge of the hoof, and thus presses directly 
upon this artery, thereby obstructing the flow of blood to 
this part, and forcing it back into those supplying horn at 
the heels. Hence the forward part of the hoof grows 
slowly and becomes thin, while the heels grow down rapidly, 
becoming high and thick. 

The first and important object in curing disease is, to 
remove the cause. We must do more than this in the cure 
of contraction by removing the surplus horn accumulated 
and applying mechanical pressure in such a way as to gradu- 
ally spread the foot back to its natural form, so far as it will 
bear. 

To do this we must first thoroughly soften the feet by 
poulticing. Next cut down the heels to within an eighth 
of an inch or more of the sole. Cut down carefully be- 
tween the bars and frog. If not careful, you will cut 
through and bring blood at the extreme of the heel, while 
you have not cut deep enough farther forward. Follow the 
curve of the sole, aiming to cut out an average depth until 
the heels will yield easily to a little pressure. 

The next object is to gradually force the heels outward. 
There are three ways of doing this : 

First, (this is the treatment, I am informed, used by Mr. 
Robert Bonner of the New York Ledge?', who is undoubt- 
ly one of the most careful students of the foot, and of the 
conditions necessary in shoeing to keep it in a healthy con- 
dition, in this country,) form the shoe of an equal thickness 
all the way round, with nail holes punched well back in the 
heels, and fit accurately to the foot, so that it will come out 
even with the edge of the hoof. Now drive the nails care- 
fully, so that they will be deep enough into the horn to hold 
firmly without endangering pricking, leaving the points 
stick down straight. After all are driven down, pull them 
out again. Heat the shoe and spread it about one-eighth 



SHOES CONCAVE INJURIOUS. 



135 



of an inch, more or less according to what the foot will 
bear, and put on again. Now, drive the nails again, each 
a little at each time until driven home, and clinch firmly. 
It is seen that the shoe must now exert an outward pressure 
upon the heels equal to the increased breadth of the shoe. 
Keep the foot reasonably soft. In a few days or a week the 
clinches can be carefully drawn, the nails pulled out, the 
shoe made wider and nailed as before, which can be 
repeated so long as the nails will hold well. 

A simpler method is that of the convex shoe, (cut 17.) 
The foot is prepared as before, with the difference of not 
cutting away the bearing surface so much at the heels. The 
shoe, instead of having the bearing surface level, should be 
made convex, the outer edge from an eighth to one-fourth, 
or even more, of an inch lower than the inner edge, running 
out at the toe. This surface should be filed down carefully, 
and so fitted to the foot that the heels will rest on these in- 
clined surfaces, the shoe being a little wider than the heels, 

and nail on. Now there 
is a continued slipping 
outward of the heels when 
weight is thrown upon the 
foot. Remember one 
point here. Do not com- 
mit the error of cutting 
down the heels very close. 
You must have horn 
enough to keep the shoe 
from coming in contact 
with the sole. If it does, 
the inner edge pressing 
upon the sole forms a 
shoulder which will not 
only prevent expansion, 
but bring pressure upon 
the sole, bruising it, and 
thus be the cause of injury and lameness. 

The third, is that of Tyrrel's patent shoe, (cut 18.) By 
this shoe, if properly fitted and applied, the foot can be 
expanded as little or as much as may be desired. It will 
also enable expanding one or both heels as may be 
desired, and is the best form of shoe I have seen 




( No. 17.) Convex Shoe for the cure of 
Contraction. 



136 



CORNS. 




(No. 18.) Tyrrel's Patent Shoe 
for the cure of Contraction. 



for the cure of contraction. The 
only difference there is in this 
shoe from the common form is : 
first, the inside edges of the heels 
are turned up into little clips; 
second, the shoe is so cut out at 
each side of the toe as to enable 
bending the quarters outward, by 
putting the tongs or a screw be- 
tween the heels and pressing them 
outward. The clips at the heels 
extending up inside of the bars at 
the extreme of the heels press 
the heels outward just so much 
as the shoe is spread, which can be done every few 
days at will until the foot is expanded as much as may be 
desired. This is the great consideration in the cure of con- 
tractions so far as mechanical pressure is concerned. It 
requires nice mechanical judgment and skill to fit and put 
on any form of shoe, both in preventing contraction and 
for its cure, and especially so in my judgment in the use of 
this. As before explained, the foot should be carefully 
dressed down to its natural form. The excessive horn pre- 
venting expansion of the heels cut away, implying 
especially the thinning out well of the part between the frog 
and bars. The foot should be softened by poulticing pre- 
viously. The shoe should then be carefully fitted, the 
clips resting accurately against the bar inside. The shoe 
should never be spread enough at a time to cause inflamma- 
tion and soarness. If this is carefully persisted in, so far 
as the contraction, cure must be certain. This shoe of Mr. 
Tyrrel's has been used with great success for this purpose. 
The right to use it with special directions for its use can be 
obtained by addressing H. B. Fern, Batavia, N. Y. 



CORNS 



Appear in the angle of the hoof near the heel. They are 
generally caused by the shoe being worn too long, causing 
the shell of the hoof to grow over the shoe, which throws 
the weight upon the sole, or the angles between the bar and 
crust are not properly dressed out. If the descending heel 



CORNS. 



137 



of the coffin bone meets with too much resistance by want 
of elasticity in the sole at this place, the sensitive sole is 
liable to be so bruised and injured as to produce corns, 
which are simply a contused wound of the sensitive sole. 
Contraction is also an actively exciting cause of corns which 
should be overcome by expansion shoes. If of an ordinary 
character, upon cutting away the horn, there will be found 
a red spot ; if very bad, the color will be a dark purple and 
deeper seated. 

If in this condition it is neglected, matter may be formed, 
or the inflammation may 
cause the lateral cartilages 
which are attached to the 
heels of the coffin bone to 
become ossified, or even the 
accumulation of large, bony 
deposits, which would des- 
troy the mobility of the foot 
and cause considerable de- 
formity. 

All pressure must be re- 
moved from the part. First, 

dress down the part bruised until quite thin. Put a little 
sulphur on, and burn in pretty well with a hot iron, or put 
on butter of antimony, which will stimulate a healthy growth 
of horn. 





(No. 19.) 
New Corn. 



(No. 20.) 

Situation and appear- 
ance of an old corn. 




(No. 21.) 
Testing for Corn. 




^ A 

(No. 22.) 

Bar Shoe for Corns. 



If there is much inflammation, poultice; and if there is 
a cavity or the sensible sole is exposed, put on a little pitch 
and tallow, over which spread a little tow. Put on the shoe 



138 INTERFERING. 

SO fitted there will be no pressure on the part. To do this 
a bar shoe will often be necessary. (See cut No. 22.) The 
shoe should be re-set frequently until cured. 

QUABTEK CRACK. 

When the hoof is dry and hard it is easily split. A piece 
of glue when very dry splits and breaks very easily if 
pounded upon, but if softened by moisture would only bend 
and be bruised. The hoof partakes of the character of glue. 
If very dry the fibres become dense and hard. If while the 
feet are in this condition the horse is driven fast on hard 
roads, the hoof is liable to burst. If the hoof is thin and 
contracted, there is great danger of the inside quarters 
splitting. 

Cut down the hoof back of the crack, so that there is no 
pressure of that part of the bearing surface upon the shoe, 
put on a bar shoe, cut across the split deeply at the edge 
of the hair with a firing iron. Next cut down the edges of 
the hoof so far as split extends, to the quick. Then soften 
and grow down the hoof rapidly by applying any good, 
stimulating ointment. A mixture of equal portions of tar, 
lard and turpentine, is excellent for this purpose. The 
fitting of the shoe should be carefully attended to, the hoof 
grown down as rapidly as it is safe to do, and the part kept 
clean by covering it with a little tar, or a mixture of resin 
and tallow. There will not be a cure until a new hoof is 
grown down, which will take about six or eight months. 

INTESFEIIING. 

Some horses travel so close that the least neglect of hav- 
ing the shoe well under the quarter, and the part nicely 
dressed down, would cause a bruising and cutting of the 

opposite ankle. The shoe 
should be so formed and 
fitted as to come well under 
the hoof. To do this well, 
that side of the shoe should 
be made rather straight, 
(No. 23.) with the web narrow, and 

Interfering Shoe. the nail-holes well forward 




WEAK HEELS. 



139 



in the toe; at all events 



there must be no nails driven 

hoof that strikes, as the clinches 

If the toe cork is set well round, 

toe, and the foot is so pared, or 



into that part of the 

will be likely to cut. 

on the inside of the 

the shoe is so formed that the bearing of the inside 
of the foot is raised somewhat, there will be a tending 
in the ankle to be thrown out when borne upon. But the 
great object is to have the shoe fitted and filed smoothly, 
and set well under the part hitting, so that after the hoof is 
rasped off all it is prudent to do, and rounded down care- 
fully, the shoe sets far enough under not to endanger its 
cutting, yet supports the hoof, and gives a natural bearing 

to the foot. The chief 

danger will be that some 

portion of this part of the 

shoe, will be made to extend 

beyond the hoof, and the 

shoe be fitted and put on 

so roughly that it can 

scarcely be said to be fitted 

any smoother or better than 

is usually done, without re- 
gard to such a purpose. It 

is always best to keep the 

bearing natural by trimming 
the foot level, and making the shoe of an even thickness, 
but set it under and file smoothly. If this will not do, raise 
the inside a little. Driving young horses to sulky will 
often cause interfering; getting a horse in good condition 
will often overcome the difficulty. If the ankles are cut or 
sore, they should be protected with pads until well. If the 
owner values the animal highly, he should give such shoeing 
his personal attention. 





(No. 24.) 
Interfering Pad. 



(No. 25.) 

A Leather Boot to 
protect the Ankle. 



WSAK HEELS. 



Cutting down too close and fitting the shoes roughly, so 
that the horse wears and breaks down the heels, will cause 
them to be low and sensitive. Such feet should be simply 
leveled down with the rasp carefully, and the shoe fitted to 
touch every part of the bearing surface at the heels. 



140 SHOES. 



SHOES. 




It should be borne in mind that that form of shoe which 
accords with the foot in making the bearing natural, pre- 
serves its elasticity and protects it from 
injury, is best. If we examine the foot 
it will be found concave. This is the 
best form to enable a fulcrum that will 
prevent slipping. If we would imi- 
tate and carry out in the form of the 
shoe, that of the foot, it should be also 
concave, or thick at the outer edge and 
beveled upward to the inner edge on 
the ground surface. Such a shoe will 
not ball, prevents slipping, is lighter, 
(No 28.) ^ ^^^ would certainly enable more speed 

on a track if at all wet. Amateurs 
who have an opportunity should see my models of shoes of 
different patterns. 

Shoes for summer wear should be level, of an equal thick- 
ness from toe to heel. If the roads are soft, this is certainly 
advisable, to give the frog pressure. If shoes are made with 
corks, the inside ones should be rounded, so as not to cut 
the feet. The outside ones will' prevent slipping. My 
''Maine Snow Shoe" is undoubtedly the best for winter 
use; will not ball, and prevents the feet most effectually 
from being bruised or injured. 

The bearing surface of all shoes should be level, and 
come exactly under the wall of the hoof all the way round. 
The nails should be as small, and as few, and as far forward 
in the toe as will retain the shoe safely, the object being to 
protect the foot and keep it healthy. When, from any 
cause, there is an undue absorption of moisture, making the 
frog and hoof dry and hard, either from inactivity by stand- 
ing on a dry floor, or driving on dry hard roads, or both, 
it must be supplied by artificial means. Stuff or fill the 
feet with flax-seed meal, to which has been added a little 
wood ashes mixed with water. It will stick. Or wet cloths 
may be tied around the hoof. 

If there is soreness of the feet, put them in water as hot 
as can be borne, to which should be added a handful of 
salt, for an hour each day, for one or two weeks, or blister 
mildly around the coronet, repeated two or thr^e times. 



RE-SETTING OF SHOES. 141 

If there is a dry, hard condition of the feet, apply mois- 
ture around the coronet by tying wet cloths around the 
hoof, or poulticing, stopping the feet with flaxseed meal, as 
before explained ; after which, apply some of the prepara- 
tion for softening the feet and stimulating the growth of 
horn. 

The usual palliative means of rubber cushions and such 
means, put between the hoof, to cure soreness and lame- 
ness, are of no account, since they do not reach the cause 
of difficulty. The nailing of the shoe must necessarily be 
so tight as to press out all the elasticity there is, and, in 
addition, the heels cut through such means so quickly that 
they will not prove of any real value. 

KE-SETTING OF SHOES, 

Shoes should be re-set once in from four to six weeks. 
For light, occasional use, not more than seven nails should 
be driven — four on the outside and three on the inside — 
well forward. The shoe should come well out under the 
toe, so that there is no necessity for more than touching the 
edge a little to reach the shoe, and by all means do not 
allow that reckless rasping of the outside of the hoof so 
general with shoers. If the shoe is short it should not be a 
reason that the hoof must be cut down to it. Even rasping 
under the clinches should not be permitted. A thin shell 
can be easily ruined in this way; besides, this rasping of 
the whole surface of the hoof not only removes the strong- 
est and hardest part, but permits too rapid an evaporation, 
which causes the horn to become hard and brittle. It is 
much better, easier and cheaper to keep the feet healthy 
than to cure them. It is wise in shoers to be patient and do 
the work well, and owners should remember that extra care 
and skill deserves extra compensation. It is hoped that the 
few explanations given will aid in a better understanding of 
this duty. 

If the horse shows sudden lameness in the foot, especially 
after being shod, examine it carefully; strike the hoof 
lightly with a small hammer ; put the hand first on one foot 
and then on the other, that you may discover any increased 
heat. If a nail has been driven too deep, remove the shoe. 
If much inflammation, poultice — usually necessary for 



142 RE-SETTING OF SHOES. 

twenty-four hours or more — when cover the part with tow 
and a preparation of tar and resin, or pitch and common 
grease. If a nail has been driven into the foot, get the 
horse to the stable as quick as you can, take off the shoe, 
poultice the foot, and give a sharp dose of physic, and let 
the animal stand quietly. The object is to keep down 
inflammation. No hot oils or anything stimulating is to be 
applied. 

A little of the digestive ointment may be used after the 
inflammation goes down to excite a healthy granulating pro- 
cess, or any cooling astringent. There is liable to be ten- 
derness if the sole should strike the ground afterwards, as 
there may be inflammation of the periosteum, to relieve 
which, put on a high-heeled shoe and blister' around the 
coronet. The sole is sometimes bruised by the shoe press- 
ing upon it, causing much inflammation and lameness. 
Take off the shoe, poultice for twenty-four hours or more ; 
fit the shoe so as to remove all pressure from, the sole ; if 
sore yet, continue the poultice ; if matter is formed, treat as 
you would any such ulcer, with a healing astringent. Sev- 
eral good preparations are given in another part of this 
work. 

The difficulty of getting sketches made of the illustrations 
needed in this and other articles, induced the necessity of 
copying many of them from Mayhew and others. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



The treatment and remedies here given will be found 
very valuable. I have, at great loss of time and money, 
subjected myself to a practical course of study under one 
of the best educated and successful English veterinary sur- 
geons in this country, (Dr. William Somerville, of Buffalo, 
N. Y.,) whose certificate will be found below, and aim to 
give such practical treatment as I know to be most reliable 
and practical. Many of the remedies included have been 
obtained by me at much trouble and great cost, and are 
worth much more than the cost of this book and my in- 
structions. I have no desire but to benefit my patrons, and 
the utmost assurance may be felt that the greatest care has 
been used in discarding remedies not known to be reliable 
and valuable. 

DR. WILLIAM somerville' S CERTIFICATE. 

*'This is to certify that D. Magner, Esq., served under 
me nearly two years, during 1868 and 1869, as an appren- 
tice, to learn and be instructed in the veterinary profession. 
I consider him well qualified to treat successfully all diseases 
in horses, and able to practice as a skillful and competent 
veterinary surgeon. 

'^WM. SOMERVILLE, 

" Veterinary Surgeon, 
-'A juember of two Veterinary Colleges, 
" and thirty -six years'' practice. 
" Buffalo Horse Infirmary, 127 Erie St., 
"August 1st, 1869." 

I would urge the necessity, at least, of ordinary prudence 
in preventing colds and sickness by guarding against un- 
necessary exposure, or mercilessly driving until in a profuse 
perspiration, and then leaving the horse in some cold, bleak 
place without more, perhaps, than a poor blanket, and that 



144 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

thrown on carelessly, while the driver is perhaps enjoying 
himself with his friends in some drinking saloon, toasting 
his shins while the poor animal stands shivering at the door. 
The effect of such bad treatment will not then have time to 
develope itself, but will be seen in a few hours, or at farthest 
on the following day. This is the common cause of acute 
laminitis (founder) and of pleuro-pneumonia (pleurisy). 
The three principal points in the health of a horse are feed- 
ing, air and exercise. In the first place, irregularity of 
feeding will certainly produce disease. (See article on 
feeding.) Ventilation — the stable should be neither too 
hot nor too cold. The animal will show the effect in a few 
days by coughing or having slight irritation of the mucous 
membrane of the throat. 

A horse can take cold as easily by going out of a cold 
air into a hot stable, as he can by going from a hot stable 
into cold air, and vice versa. It is the sudden change of 
temperature which produces the change on the mucous coat 
of the larynx and throat. 

The clothing of the horse in the stable should be neither 
too hot nor cold. But if kept too warm, he will be more 
likely to take cold when he goes out to exercise on a cold 
or chilly day. The stable should be well ventilated with 
pure air at all times, and all poisonous air and gases, par- 
ticularly the ammonia, which is formed from the urine, 
should be allowed free egress from the stable, as the animal 
cannot be expected to keep in good health while compelled 
to inhale such malaria. 

Let me tell you, one of the great points in keeping horses 
in good health and condition, is regular feeding and good 
care, being careful, after a sharp, hard drive, especially if 
there has been exposure to wet and cold, to blanket warmly 
— anticipate a.nd look for a chill, or being off of food. If 
so, a little fever medicine and a warm bran mash should be 
given at once, and a serious attack of pneumonia may be 
thus averted. Men who talk and slash horses around reck- 
lessly, I have a low opinion of as horsemen. To keep 
horses doing well, even though worked hard, requires at- 
tention to little things. If the road is heavy or up-hill, 
and the horse shows fatigue or is warming up excessively, 
hold up and shove, if necessary, on good road and down 
grade, aiding and nursing along by watering often but not 
much at a time. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 145 

A very little driving without regard to this prudence will 
soon get even a good, hardy horse off his food, if not cause 
sickness, and then Providence, or something else, is the 
supposed cause. Use all the care and prudence you can in 
guarding against and preventing sickness ; it is your safest 
and best rule. I give the very best treatment in the follow- 
ing pages you can use with most success. The medicine is 
easily obtained and administered. Indeed there are single 
remedies in this book I would not be without for one thou- 
sand dollars. 

SPASMODIC COLIC. 

Colic is one of the most common as well as most danger- 
ous diseases to which the horse is subject. There are two 
forms of this disease, namely. Spasmodic and Flatulent 
Colic. 

The first is wholly of a spasmodic nature, and if not re- 
lieved, will, in severe cases, run into inflammation of the 
bowels, causing speedy death. 

The second, while exhibiting the same general symptoms, 
shows marked enlargement of the belly, from generation of 
gas, which, if not checked and neutralized, results fatally 
by rupturing the diaphragm, causing suffocation and death. 

The common causes of colic are, application of cold 
water to the body, drinking cold water when in a heated 
condition, costiveness, unwholesome food, etc. 

Premonitory symptoms, are sudden. The animal paws 
violently, showing evidences of great distress, shifting his 
position almost constantly, and manifesting a desire to lie 
down-. In a few minutes these symptoms disappear, and 
the horse is easy.* But the same uneasiness soon returns, 
increasing in severity until the animal cannot be kept upon 
his feet; the pulse is full, scarcely altered from its normal 
condition; a cold sweat breaks out over the body; temper- 
ature of legs and ears natural. As the disease advances the 



* Note.— He may also act as if lie wanted to make water, which he cannot do, 
there being a spasmodic contraction of the urethra. Hence the desire to give 
diuretic medicine. Straining in this way is usually prompted by a desire to re- 
lieve the muscles of the belly. No diuretic medicine should be given as the horse 
cannot pass urine until the attack of colic ceases, or it is taken from him with a 
catheter. 

It is very seldom, even necessary to use a catheter. In fact, it is not necessary 
to pay any attention to this symptom. As soon as relieved of the colic, the horse 
will pass water freely. 

7 



146 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



symptoms become 
more severe, the ani- 
mal at times throwing 
himself down with 
force, regardless of 
consequences, looks 
anxiously at the sides, 
sometimes snapping 
with the teeth at the 
sides, looking anxious- 
ly at the belly, and 
striking upward with 
the hind feet, showing 

First stage of Spasmodic Colic. ^^^^^^ ^.^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^p, 

toms as in inflammation of the bowels. There are, 
however, strongly marked characteristics peculiar to each. 
The better to point them out, I will tabulate them, by which 
the difference and peculiarities of each can be easily deter- 
mined. 




COLIC. 
Sudden in its attacks. 

Pulse, in the early stage of the 
disease, not much quiclcened or 
altered in its character. 

Legs and ears of a natural tem- 
perature. 

Rubbing the belly gives relief. 

Relief obtained from motion. 
Intervals of rest. 
Strength scarcely affected. 



INFLAMMATION OF BOWELS. 

Gradual in its approach, with 
previous indications of fever. 

Pulse much quickened, small, 
and often scarcely to be felt. 

Legs and ears cold. 

Belly very tender and painful 
to the touch. 

Motion increases pain. 

Constant pain. 

Rapid and great weakness. 



This disease being wholly of a spasmodic nature, it must 
be counteracted by antispasmodic treatment ; and laudanum 
being the most powerful and reliable antispasmodic it is 
here indicated. 

Treatment. — Give from two to three ounces of laudanum 
and a pint of raw linseed oil. If not better in an hour, 
give two ounces of laudanum and the same quantity of oil. 

If there is not relief in a reasonable time after the second 
dose is given, take from six to twelve quarts of blood from 
the neck vein, according to the size of the horse and the 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT, 



147 



severity of the attack. Always in bleeding make the ori- 
fice large, and extract the blood as quickly as possible. As 




Second Stage of Spasmodic Colic. 



Third Stage of Spasmodic Colic, 



bleeding is the most powerful and reliable means of relax- 
ing the system, it can be always relied upon in the cure of 
this form of colic. There will be no relapse after bleeding. 

The following remedy given me by Dr. T, Burton of Fultonville, N. 
Y., is one of the best, if not the very best in use for the cure of either 
form of colic. The Doctor assured me he never knew it to fail if given 
in a reasonable time. In every case it has been used under my own 
observation and by myself it has given prom.pt relief; 

FOB COLIC IN HOKSE3S-DE. BUKTON'S REMEDY. 



Sulph. ether i pmt, aromatic spirits ammonia i pint, 
sweet spirits nitre 2 pints, opium ^ lb., asafoetida (pure) 
^ lb., camphor }{ lb. Put it in a large bottle, let it stand 
fourteen days, with frequent shaking, and it will be fit to 
use. Dose : One ounce, more or less, according to the 
severity of the case ; once in from thirty minutes to an 
hour. Should be given in a little water.* 

I could give a great variety of remedies for this difficulty, 
but the more I would include, the more confusion to the 
reader. The first remedy in connection with bleeding can 
be relied upon as one of the very best. Bleeding alone will 
give sure relief, but sticking a knife into the mouth is not 
the way to do this. A little blood from the mouth may 
seem a large quantity. There is liability to cut the palate 
artery and have trouble. Should you be so imprudent, and 



* Note.— The same proportion of tincture may be substituted for the gum which 
will enable its immediate use. 



148 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



cannot stop the bleeding, touch the artery with a hot iron, or 
hold a sponge filled with cold water between the ears. An 
ordinary styptic will not do. Always bleed from the neck 
vein, (directions for which are given under that head,) 
which is one of the simplest and safest of operations. 

FLATULENT COLIC. (TYMPANITSS.) 




Symptoms same as spasmodic colic, with the difference 
of there being so great an accumulation of gas in the 
stomach and intestines that the belly is swelled. This dis- 
ease will often prove fatal in from one to three hours. It is 
generally very sudden 
in its attack, often oc- 
curring while the ani- 
mal is at work, particu- 
larly during warm 
weather or changeable 
weather from cold to 
heat; but is generally 
caused by indigestion, 
producing gases in the 
bowels or stomach.* 

If to terminate fatally 
it will become weaker and slower until it is almost imper- 
ceptible. If the animal is allowed to fall down suddenly 
while pressure of the gas upon the walls of the stomach is 
very great, there is probability of rupturing of the dia- 
phragm, which would cause almost instant death from 
suffocation, 

Ti^eatment. — In the first place do not commit the error of 
bleeding for this form of colic, as it would be almost sure 
death. Second, keep up evaporation of the body as much 
as possible by sweating with blankets. What would be still 
better, if available, would be a hot bath. If you have any 
of the remedy comprising ether, ammonia, asafoetida, etc.. 



First Stage of Flatu]ent Colic. 



* Note.— There are two locations for this disease, but in either it requires the 
same treatment, as it is generally produced by the same causes — the stomach, colon 
and ccecura. When in the stomach it will bedistinguished by eructations or belch- 
ings of gas through the esophagus or gullet. If "from the'co-cum or colon, the 
horse is violently swollen along the belly, flanks and sides generallj'. Pulse is 
rarely disturbed until the disease advances, when it atIU become quickened, run- 
ning to its height quickly, and receding as rapidly, if fatal. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 149 

given for spasmodic colic, give it at once as directed. If 
this is not available, give a drench of the following : 

Peppermint, 2 oz.; sulph. ether, 2 oz.; laudanum, i oz.; 
soft water, i pint. 

Be particular to keep the composition in motion while 
administering; to be repeated in half or three-quarters of 
an hour if not better. There is great danger of this dis- 
ease ending fatally by rupturing of the diaphragm, through 
the great distention of the intestines, and contrary to the 
regular rule of scientific veterinary surgeons' practice. To 
prevent these violent falls and rolling in the stall, to keep 
the animal on his feet as much as possible, and to avoid all 
irritation or action of the bowels, it would be advised that 
he be walked as slowly as possible, led by the head to prevent 
falling or rolling, until such time as the treatment has had 
the desired effect.* 

PLEURISY— INFLAMMATIOISr OF THE LUNGS— 
CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS, 

All these diseases are only extremes or modifications of 
one disease. I will include their treatment under one head, 
first describing the symptoms peculiar to each, 

{All diseases of the chest take the scientific nai?ie " Fneu- 
mo7tia,^^ and are called Pleurisy, or Pleicro-Pneii77ionia ; 
Typhoid inflammation of the Lungs — Typhoid Pneumonia ; 
Congestio7i of the Lungs, or Congestive Pneumonia ; and 
lastly, a disease known as Dropsy of the Chest — {LLydrotho- 
rax) — which last is generally the result of the former disease. 
Wlien the word Congestio7t is spoke7i of, it 77iea7is i7i co77i77ion 
phrase, that 07te or the other (j'ight or left lobe) of the bmgs, 
are so engorged with blood forced i7ito tlwn that they are 
either unable to receive or discharge a7iy blood, become hard, 
a7id al77iosi black i7i color. Whe7i i7i this stage the disease 
is called Co7igestion, afid often ter77ii7iates at this period in 
death.'\ 



* Note. — The ether disturbs the breathing, making the horse apparently dis- 
tressed, breathes laboriously, which will pass olf again in a few hours. I could 
give more of a variety oi treatment for this form of colic, but all things consid- 
ered. I think this is the safest and best, if not the most reliable for use by those 
not skilled in practice. 

It is well to bear in mind also, that if the horse is small and the case not severe, 
less is to be given, while if very large and the attack severe, even more may be 
given. 



150 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

The most common causes of lung fever, as it is termed, 
are, exposing the animal while warm to a cold wind, or 
becoming chilled from driving fast against a cold wind, 
washing with cold water immediately after exercise, changes 
from heat to cold, or from cold to heat, removing from a 
warm to a cold, or from a cold to a warm stable, or cold 
applied to the surface of a heated animal, by which the 
blood is driven from the skin and extremities to the internal 
organs, or any cause by which the circulation is obstructed 
and deranged, may excite any of these forms of inflamma- 
tion and congestion. 

When the pleuro — (a watery or fine membrane covering 
the external surface of the lungs, and lining membrane of 
the cavity of the chest) — is inflamed, the disease is called 
pleurisy. 

When the inflammation is located in the lungs, it is called 
pneumo7iia, or inflammation of the lungs. When the ac- 
tion of the capillaries is greatly lessened from their being 
weakened, or the blood being so forced through them that 
they are obstructed and clogged, the difficulty is called con- 
gestion of the lungs. 

There cannot be inflammation of a part without there 
being more or less inflammation of the other parts surround- 
ing, and there cannot be inflammation without congestion, 
as there is always more or less obstruction of the circulation 
where there is inflammation. 

PLEURISY 

may be sudden or gradual in its attack, the horse showing 
indisposition sometimes for days previous. The horse will 
be dull and heavy in action for a day or two, unwilling to 
lie down, pulse not much disturbed, or there is a chill, or 
slavering fit, which lasts from one to three hours, when 
fever sets in; breathing at flanks a little accelerated, coun- 
tenance is anxious, the head is sometimes turned towards 
the side, does not lie down. As the disease advances the 
symptoms become more marked. The ears and legs become 
cold; the pulse, from being a little accelerated, grows 
quicker, hard and full; the head is hung forward, stands 
up persistently, breathing hurried, the membrane of the 
nose and eyes red. Turning the horse round, or hitting 
against the chest, back of the shoulder, Avill cause a kind 
of grunt. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



151 




The Commencement of Inflammation of tiie Lungs. 



CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS 

is first noticeable by the horse having a severe chill or 
shivering fit. He refuses his food, hangs his head between 

the fore legs or up- 
on the manger, will 
not move or lie 
down, breathing 
quick and short, 
panting like. The 
nostrils are expand- 
ed, the head thrown 
forward; the coun- 
tenance expresses 
pain and great pros- 
tration. (See cut.) 
The pulse is some- 
times full and quick, but generally quick and weak, scarcely 
perceptible; the membrane of the nose and eyes bright 
red, tending to purple; ears and legs very cold; with a 
cold clammy sweat at the extremities. 

In this case the inability of the horse to take air into the 
lungs causes great and rapid prostration, (and will often, 
from extreme pain, lie down and get up, resembling colic, 
but the coldness of extremities, prostration and condition 
of pulse will, if carefully examined, enable an understand- 
ing of the real cause,) 
a choking noise some- 
times coming from the 
throat. In some cases 
a little blood may be 
thrown from one or 
both nostrils. Extreme 
prostration and labo- 
rious breathing and 
bleeding from the nos- 
trils shows severe con- 
gestion of the lungs. second sta^e of Inflammation of the Lnngs, 




TYPHOID PNEUMONIA, 



First sympto7ns, — The horse is off his feed, disinclination 
to move, appetite gone, pulse weak and low — will some- 




152 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

times eat a little, will 
not lie down, not 
much cough, rarely 
any discoloration of 
the membrane of the 
nose or eyes — urine 
scanty and high col- 
ored — faeces hard and 
coated. After two or 
three days the mem- 

^ ^ brane of the nose and 

Third stage-^fl^ammluST^hnrngs. ^yes a little discolored 

or red, pulse quicker, 
65 or 70, breathes quicker. About the fourth or fifth day 
there is usually a discharge from the nostrils, of a blackish 
.brandy color cerumen. 

Treatfnent. — Experience proves that sedative treatment 
is the most effective for cure of inflammation of the lungs, 
which is greatly assisted by counter irritation. The seda- 
tives proved to be most effective and reliable are aconite, 
veratrum and belladonna. Veratrum exhibits great power 
in lowering the action of the heart, while aconite is not 
only a powerful sedative, but seems to act as a stimulant to 
the capillaries, thereby causing profuse perspiration. 

There is so little judgment or attention given to condi- 
tion in giving medicine and its effects upon the system, 
that I shall be compelled to limit myself to the most effect- 
ive simple treatment. There are but few who seem to know 
anything about the pulse ; this of course should be under- 
stood, directions in relation to which, find in another 
chapter. 

Take of tincture (radi) aconite i oz,; veratrum ^ oz.; 
soft water 4 oz. Dose from 15 to 30 drops on the tongue, 
every thirty or forty minutes, more or less, and at longer or 
shorter intervals, according to the severity of the case. In 
ordinary cases the veratrum may be omitted. If the case is 
found to be obstinate the veratrum may be added or given 
separately in about the same proportion. 

FOR AN ATTACK OF PLEURISY. 

Blanket warmly, and put in a comfortable stall, where 
there will be pure air, and give of the above fever medicine 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 153 

from 15 to 30 drops every twenty or thirty minutes, on the 
tongue. If the case is severe apply some strong stimulant 
to the legs and on each side of the body and breast, such 
as mustard made into a paste and rubbed in thoroughly, or 
a liniment composed of aqua ammonia, reduced one-half 
with water ; or any strong stimulating liniment should be 
applied. The legs may also be rubbed and bandaged 
warmly but not tightly, or some stimulating preparation 
may be used before bandaging.* 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS OR CONGESTION. 

Treat as for PleiLrisy. — If there is much congestion, it 
is necessary to give prompt relief, which can be done best 
by taking four to six quarts of blood quickly from the neck 
vein, stimulate the sides and legs, and give fever medicine 
as for pleurisy. I wish now to call your attention to what 
you must not do. First, you must not give physic or oil 
for any of the forms of inflammation of the lungs. Cathar- 
tic medicine in any form is poisonous, such as aloes, oils, or 
tartar emetic. There is so much nausea attending the oper- 
ation of these medicines and debility from their effect. 
There being also such powerful sympathy between the bow- 
els and the lungs, that they hasten the cause of the 
inflammation of the lungs, often producing death in a few 
hours after administering them. Second, do not bleed for 
pleurisy, as so doing would cause debility of the capilla- 
ries of the part that would induce hydrathorax and death. 
In a severe attack of congestion, bleeding, cannot only be 
resorted to with safety, but is the quickest and surest treat- 
ment to give relief, but must not be carried too far, merely 
to assist the lungs to throw off the load of blood forced 
upon them, and to give the medicine prescribed a chance 
to operate. 

TYPHOID PNEUMONIA TREATMENT. 

As the word typhoid means low, it is necessary to watch 
it carefully in that stage, which will last as described in the 
symptoms, the first four or five days, when jn many 



=^NOTE. — If you give a few doses of aconite as above prepared, about the time 
fever sets in, or before, the horse will be relieved next day- A. few swallows of wa- 
ter should be given occasionally. Improvement will be denoted by the pulse 
becoming full and regular, and the expression and actions being lively. 



154 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

cases the pulse may run down to thirty. Stimulants 
should be used at this stage, such as a little brandy and 
water or whisky and water. A gill or tv/o of liquor to be 
given as a drench, or what is much better, is, take carbonate 
of ammonia, from one to two drachms ; powdered ginger 
root, one to two drachms, made into a ball with honey or 
molasses and given twice a day. It should be remembered 
that this treatment alone is intended only for the low stage 
of the disease. When the pulse seems to rise to fifty or sixty 
about the fifth or sixth day, the patient should then be 
treated as for pleurisy, with fever medicine. Under the 
influence of the latter treatment, the pulse will recede and 
resume its natural number of beats (forty). In this form 
of disease it is extremely prostrated at first, the whole sys- 
tem being inactive. The pulse may run up in time to 
seventy, or even eighty.* 

The reader may take up veterinary works, and those too 
by good authority, in which he is told to bleed for pleurisy 
and lung fever; bleed until the pulse falters. I have only 
to say that I give you what I know from experience to be 
safe, reliable treatment, and you are safe in following im- 
plicity the treatment given. Indeed, for all ordinary cases, 
a few doses of aconite, to which may be added, if desired, 
a little belladonna and veratrum in the proportion given, 
including same proportion of belladonna there is of vera- 
trum, given promptly, will in almost every instance give 
relief quickly. 

Dr. Somerville of Buffalo, puts up a preparation for the 
cure of lung fever, colds and chills, which is specific. It 
will cure every case of chills or fever. A bottle of which 
should be kept in eyery stable. If available at your drug- 
gist's, get a bottle by all means. It is just the thing, and 
cheap at any price. 

See also introductory chapter to treatment of diseases 
before treatment for colic. 



* Note.— lu all cases in feeding while the animal is laboring under any of the 
forms of pneumonia, the animal should be kept moderately warm, have plenty of 
pure air, cold water in small quantities, a hand full of wet hay, a carrot or two, 
an apple or a potato or more ; anything of an alterative form. Be careful not to 
exercise too soon. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



155 



CATAKBH, OB COLD.. 



Cold is of common occurrence, and 
may lead to very serious consequences if 
neglected. If looked to in time, with a 
little rest and nursing, the system will soon 
resume its normal condition. 

The usual symptoms are, a little increase 
of pulse, a slight discharge from the nose 
and eyes, the hair roughed, not much 
appetite, and some cough, which is some- 
times severe. 

Blanket warmly, give aconite as for 




Effect of a Cold, 




Steaming the Nose 
of a Horse having 
Cold. 



fever. Nurse by giving bran mashes, etc. 
If the case is serious it may run into general 
inflammation of the air passages, as bronchitis 
or laryngitis. Would aim to keep up the 
strength, giving fever medicine, alternating 
with belladonna. Put on a bag, made of 
coarse, loose cloth, into which put some 
bran on which throw an ounce or two of 
turpentine. Hang the bag on the head, same 
as in cut, being careful not to have it so tight 
around the nose as to heat or scald and be 
oppressive. A few repetitions of this will 
cause the nose to run freely. Rest and care 
will usually do the rest. 

If there is obstinate inflammation of the 
throat and air passages, any good liniment 




156 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



may be applied around the chest and throat and bandaged, 
as shown in the cut. The object is to stimulate the surface, 
and this would be an easy, practical way of doing it. 

STKANGLES OR DISTEMPER. 




Severe attack of Distemper. 



This is another form of sore-throat, familiar to every one. 
Its design seems to be to throw some poisonous matter from 
the system, and the object should be to keep the strength 
of the animal up and hasten suppuration. 

The horse is out of sorts; the 
neck becomes sore and stiff; an 
enlargement appears which is first 
hard and tender; there is some 
discharge from the nose. The case 
usually grows worse, if very severe, 
often threatening to cause suffoca- 
tion; horse unable to eat or drink 
but little, and strength is lost 
rapidly. 

Use freely a poultice made of wheat bran and warm 
vinegar, changing as often as the 
poultice becomes dry, using the 
eight-tailed bandage, until the 
enlargement becomes soft and can 
be opened, when relief will be 
prompt. Or the following treat- 
ment may be adopted, which is 
similar, and if the alteration is 

not good, is preferable: Take Applying an Ei.ht-Tailed Bandage 

spirits 01 turpentine, two parts; in Distemper. 

spirits of camphor, one part; 

laudanum, one part. Put this on the neck with a brush, if 

convenient, or any way to apply it 

without exciting pain, three or four 

times a day until soreness is caused. 

After each application have ready 

three or four pieces of flannel, 

which should be a good thick 

article; put these over the parts 

and bind on with the eight-tailed bandage. When the 

tumor points, open it, and be sure that the matter has a 





Eight-Tailed Bandage. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



157 



thorough outlet. Sometimes the inflammation is so deep as 
to cause serious soreness and swelling of the throat. In this 
case the horse must be nursed carefully by feeding with 




Opening the Abscess in Distemper. 

warm gruel; the drink should be warm; grass or anything 
that will tempt the appetite should be given. Simpler 
treatment would be rubbing on the enlargement an ordinary 
fly-blister, to bring the enlargement to a head. Physic must 
not be given. 

INFLAMMATION OJP THE BOWELS. 

This disease is generally caused by constipation of the 
bowels, hard driving, over-purging or looseness of bowels, 
or drinking cold water when warm. Constipation is, how- 
ever, the principal cause of the disease, and when this is 
the case, the first and most important condition of relief is 
to get an action of the bowels. 

Symptoms. — For the first 
few hours the horse is uneasy, 
paws, looks around at the side, 
the pulse is slightly accelerated 
and wiry. As the disease ad- 
vances the intermissions be- 
tween the attack become less, 
pulse quicker, running from 

Symptoms of Intestinal and Abdomi- seventy tO eighty beats in a 

mation'S'Bowe'ir" " '"'"""• minute, in some instances even 




158 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

faster ; lies down and gets up, shows much pain, no swelling 
of sides. Now begins to exhibit fever, bowels constipated, 
urine highly colored and scanty. 

Remedy. — Give a quart of raw linseed oil. 

Note. — If constipation is very great, add from four to six 
drops of croton oil. 

If scours or over-purging, give an ounce and a half of the 
tincture of opium with six ounces of water. But in order 
to suppress the inflammation it is necessary to bleed imme- 
diately from the neck vein from six to ten quarts of blood, 
according to the strength and size of the animal. In 
extreme cases bleeding may be repeated to the extent of 
four to six quarts in three or four hours. If much pain 
exists in constipation, give from one to three ounces 
tincture asafoetida. Feed lightly for a week at least, giving 
gruel, roots, grass and bran mashes, and keep quiet. No 
exercise for several days if there is danger of a relapse. 
This a dangerous disease and requires prompt treatment. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

Inflammation of the kidneys is generally caused by hard 
work, by slipping, throwing the hind parts so suddenly under 
the belly as to produce undue tension of the lumbar verte- 
brae, or from sudden colds by being exposed to rain and 
cold, the eating of musty hay or oats, or unhealthy food of 
any kind. Too powerful or too 
often repeated diuretics produce in- 
flammation of the kidneys, or a 
degree of irritation and weakness of 
them that disposes to inflammation, 
from causes that would otherwise 
have no injurious effect. 

Syinptotns. — Less or more fever 
of the system generally, and unwil- 
lingness to move, particularly the 
hind legs, dung hard and coated, 
very sensitive to pressure on the 
spine. The horse looks anxiously 

round at his flanks, stands with his Appearance of a Horse Suffer- 

hind legs wide apart, straddles as urlnary'^rSur'' '^ '^' 
he walks, shows pain in turning; the 




DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



159 




Test for Inflammation of 
the Kidneys. 



urine is voided in small quantities, and is usually high 
colored, sometimes bloody ; the attempt to urinate becomes 
more frequent, and the quantity voided smaller, until the 
animal strains violently, without being able to pass any or 
but very little urine. The pulse is 
quick and hard, full in the early 
stage of the disease, but rapidly be- 
coming small, though not losing its 
character of hardness. Introduce 
the hand into the rectum. If the 
bladder is found full and hard under 
the rectum, there is inflammation of 
the neck of the bladder. If the 
bladder is empty, yet on the portion 
of the intestimes immediately over 
it there is more than natural heat 
and tenderness, there is inflammation 
of the body of the bladder. If the 
bladder is empty and there is no 
increased tenderness and heat, there 
is inflammation of the kidneys. 

T7'eatinent. — If the pulse is high, about sixty, take five or 
six quarts of blood and give a fever ball ; to be repeated in 
three hours if not better. Fever ball : 4 drams Barbadoes 
aloes, I dram tartar emetic, 2 drams ginger, calomel about 
the size of a bean, molasses sufficient to make into a ball. 
Counter irritation must next be excited over the seat of the 
disease. The loins should be fomented with hot water or 
covered with mustard poultice, or, better, heat a peck of 
salt in an oven, place it in a bag, and put it over the part 
afl'ected. If the case is severe and protracted, a sharp blister 
may be used. No diuretics are to be given, as they would 
si77iply aggravate, and make the disease worse. After the 
bowels are open, give aconite, and treat as for fever. After 
recovery the horse should be kept very quiet for a month, 
and if in season, turned out to grass. If in winter, feed 
with light mashy diet; exercise lightly by leading, if the 
animal be valuable and it is desired to aid recovery by 
extra care. 



160 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDEB. 

Symptoms almost the same as those of inflammation of the 
kidneys. Frequent voiding of urine in small quantities, 
quick pulse, looks frequently at flanks, paws violently, ten- 
der when pressed upon under the flanks. 

Here the principal object is to lower inflammation and 
relax the muscular contraction of the neck of the bladder. 
Bleed largely, almost to fainting ; give physic as for inflam- 
mation of the kidneys, or a quart of linseed oil. A dram 
of powdered opium, made into a ball, or given in drink, 
every two or three hours, and blister over the loins. Give 
aconite, as for inflammation of the kidneys.* 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN, OH STAGGERS, 

Is first noticeable by dullness or sleepiness of the eyes, an 
unwillingness to move, general heaviness of the system. 
This disease is frequently called inegrinis, fits and mad stag- 
gers ; but in part only one disease, according to the extent 
of such disease as the animal may be affected with. 

The cause of staggers, is, an undue flow of blood to the 
brain, which rarely or never occurs in any animals except 
those in a plethoric (fat) condition. 

Some writers and practitioners assert that there is a 
disease known as stomach staggers. I have never seen a 
case where it was necessary to treat the stomach, but always 
direct attention to the brain, as being the seat of this 
disease, which may be properly called head staggers. (In 
his lecture on this difficulty, Dr. Somerville was emphatic 
in this conclusion.) 

In cases of megrims or fits it is merely a lesser attack, or 
pressure of the blood-vessels on the brain, and mad staggers 
is a greater pressure of the same vessels on the same part. 
The brain is divided into two parts, namely, cerebrum and 
cerebellum, which occupy a horny box in the head. The 
blood-vessels passing over the brain and coming in contact 
with the skull, become distended by an increased quantity 
of blood, and produce the feeling, whicli is thus exhibited. 



* If possible call a veterinary surgeon who will introduce a catheter w 
will relieve the animal immediately. 



hich 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. IGl 

There is but one cure for this disease, and that is, remove 
the cause. Bleed largely from the neck — ten, twelve or 
fourteen quarts, or until the symptoms of fainting. After 
the horse is convalescent a sharp dose of physic should be 
given to regulate the bowels. I would advise owners of such 
horses to dispose of them. Once taken with the disease, 
they are subject to a repetition of the attack when the blood- 
vess^els become filled again. 

Note. — Small doses of aconite (of the quantity for fever) 
may be given three or four times a day as a good preventive. 
Turning horses to pasture that may be liable to this disease 
will prove both injurious and dangerous. 

FOUISTDEK, (LAMINITIS.) 

There are two stages of this disease, acute and chronic. 
The first produces a high state of excitement and inflamma- 
tion of the sensible laminae of the foot. The second, a 
morbid or insensible feeling of the parts generally. The 
first is invariably cured if properly treated. The second is 
not curable, but may be palliated to a limited extent. 
Acute founder is easily detected. The animal invariably 
extends the fore feet as far forward as he can, and brings 
the hind ones in the same position under him. There is so 
much pain in the fore feet that he endeavors to throw his 
weight on the hind ones. (See cut.) The common causes 
of founder are exposing the animal when warm to sudden 
changes, usually produced by the following means, namely: 
Standing in cold air when warm, after being driven, 
driving through a river while warm, or giving cold water to 
drink while warm, washing the feet when warm and neg- 
lecting to dry them, &c. It is generally supposed that 
feeding a horse while warm will produce founder. This is 
an error, unless it is such food as will chill the system, 
which may be done by giving a large quantity of cold wet 
mixed feed, whereby the circulation would be checked, as 
before explained. 

Founder is simply inflammation in the feet, whatever 
general disturbance of the system is caused by the pain and 
soreness in them, and the correct principle of cure is to 
lower and remove this inflammation before change of struc- 
ture or sloughing can take place. 



162 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



Treatment, — ^As soon as the disease has developed itself, 
bleed from the neck, according to the size and condition of 
the animal — from six to twelve quarts. Then give a sharp 
cathartic ball (7 drams aloes, 4 drams bar soap, i dram gin- 
ger). Make into a ball and give immediately. After the 




The Horse as he Appears when Suffering from Inflammation 
in the Feet, or Founder. 

fore shoes have been removed, poultice thoroughly with 
bran wet with cold water. This poultice may, while on the 
feet, be kept wet by dipping the poulticed foot into a pail 
of cold water, or pouring some on. This poulticing should 
be kept up from four to five days, when the shoes may be 
tacked on, and the animal exercised a little. Cloths wet 
with cold water should be tied around the coronet and the 
soles stuffed for a week or two. The horse should have 
tepid water to drink and warm bran mashes during the 
operation of the medicine. If the disease should be stub- 
born, which is rarely the case, a second ball may be given 
after an interval of five days. 

Nothing can be done for a sub-acute founder, or case 
badly treated. If the sole is broken down do not pare the 
sole. Fit the shoe so as not to press on the sole. Stuff 
the whole bottom with oakum and tar, and apply leather 
over. Put on the shoe carefully. Cure is impossible. If 
warm fomentations are used, instead of cold, a relaxation 
of the sensible laminae on the wall of the foot is liable to 
take place. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 163 

The great trouble with most farmers and horsemen is, 
they do not know either how to bleed or give a ball of 
physic medicine. 

In that case you must do all you can by poulticing the 
feet and the use of sedatives. Take a large tub or part of 
a barrel ; put in some blue clay, upon which pour hot water. 
(The mixture should come half way to the knees when the 
horse stands in it.) See that it is not hot enough to scald. 
Stand the horse in for several hours, after which poulticing 
as before, at the same time give aconite as for fever. You 
can also give a pint of raw linseed oil. It would be also - 
conducive to success to bleed from the toes, which can be 
easily done by cutting through the sole at the toe. 

If, however, you can treat as first advised, your success 
will be certain, as this treatment I know will cure any case 
of acute founder, or laminitis. 

HE3A.VES, OR BBOKEN "WIND. 

Heaves produces increased action of the flanks. The 
inspiration is natural, but the expiration requires two mo- 
tions to expel the air. There is always a short cough, or 
grunt, and at the same time expels wind while coughing. 
Heaves are never found in the racing stable, where horses 
are properly fed. They are always found among cart or 
team horses, where the owners suppose they must feed a 
large quantity of coarse food or hay. 

The seat of the disease is located in the air cells of the 
lungs, causing enlargement and sometimes a rupture of these 
cells. A result of bronchitis, or inflammation of the small 
air passages of the lungs, is the lodgment of mucous fluid in 
those passages of the lungs, causing inability to breathe, 
(wheeze,) and leads to this result. But in all cases of 
heaves we find the horse to be a greedy eater, — stuffs the 
stomach with coarse food, causing the lungs to be greatly 
restricted in their action, causing an enlargement of or rup- 
turing of the air cells. 

An important and necessary auxiliary to the successful 
treatment of heaves is restricting the quantity of coarse 
food or hay, and increasing that of condensed, nourishing 
food, thereby giving the lungs increased room to act. 
Horses fed on chopped stuff, corn fodder, etc., improve, 
and get worse by being fed on coarse food or hay. 



164 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

Heaves disappear by feeding prairie hay or grass, because 
it is so coarse the horse cannot gorge the stomach with it. 
Hence there is improvement by feeding corn stalks or fod- 
der, as they contain more saccharine matter and do not 
engorge the stomach. I have given the tincture of rosin 
weed, which is claimed to be the curative principle of 
prairie hay, without satisfactory results, and can produce 
equally satisfactory results by other treatment that is claimed 
for that of feeding prairie hay. 

First give one of the following balls: Ginger, powdered, 
^ oz.; capsicum, ^ oz. Form a ball. This ball to be 
given three nights in succession ; then omit two or three 
nights, and one or two balls may be given again in succes- 
sion. The horse should have regular exercise, be watered 
often, (small quantities at a time,) and have straw instead 
of hay to eat, (corn fodder would be much better.) Under 
this treatment heaves will disappear. 

FAVORITE REMEDIES FOR HEAVES. 

1. Spanish brown, 2 oz.; tartar emetic, 2 oz.; resin, 4 oz.; 
ginger, 2 oz. Mix and give two teaspoonfuls twice a day 
in the feed. 

2. Vegetable tar, in mass, ^ oz.; gum camphor, ^ oz.; 
tartar emetic, i dram. Form into a ball, one of which is 
to be given once a day. 

3. Take indigo, i oz.; saltpeter, i oz.; rain water, i gal- 
lon ; mix and give a pint tv/ice a day in the feed. 

I could include a great imiij pretended "■ sure aires " for 
heaves. I have used in my practice almost everything for 
this purpose, comprising sulphuric acid and corrosive sub- 
limate, etc., as experiments, and find them comparatively 
or wholly worthless. If the horse shows heaves after a 
severe cold or inflammation of the lungs, there will be 
wheezing from a filling of the air passages with mucus. 
Hence gentle exercise, stimulating medicine to the air pas- 
sages and lungs, and condensing the food, will give relief, 
since the lungs are thereby stimulated and freed from 
mucus, as well as giving freedom to act, and there is, in 
consequence, relief. 

You will find the above treatment to work splendidly in 
most cases. They will give relief in all cases with proper 
attention to feeding, and will in many cases possibly make 
a cure. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 165 

TO CURE ROARING, OR WHISTLING. 

The following treatment for the cure of roaring, or whistling, as it is 
termed, has been used by Mr. E. D. Conklin, and others, in Cleveland, 
Ohio, and they claim the mc st satisfactory results. Mr. Conklin, who is 
a large owner of horses, and perfectly reliable, states that he cured one 
very bad case; could not pull a load two rods up-hill without blowing 
and choking down ; was completely cured in six weeks. Has tried it 
in a number of cases, and always with satisfactory results. The treat- 
ment was introduced by Mr. Johnson, of Cleveland, who claims he can 
cure any case. As there is no really satisfactory treatment for this dif- 
ficulty in regular practice that I know of, I give this remedy and state 
my authority. It can be tried with safety. 

Treatment. — From lo to 20 drops of sponga fosta on the 
tongue in the morning. At night the same proportion of 
Fowler's Solution in the same manner, to be repeated 
alternately for from four to six weeks, giving more or less 
and for a longer or shorter time, according to the severity 
of the case, until a cure is effected. 



TETANUS, OR LOCKED JAW. 

This disease is wholly of a nervous character. A descrip- 
tion of the symptoms is scarcely necessary, but in the first 
stage there is a disinclination to move; then the tail be- 
comes erect and quivers, the ears set back, and the 
conjunctiva is thrown over the pupil of the eye, and the 
head is elevated. 

As the disease advances, the muscles all over the neck 
and body become stiff and rigid, and the legs have the ap- 
pearance of a four-footed stool. The animal has little or 
no power to move. 

For the first few days the teeth remain apart, but as the 
disease advances, the muscles of the jaw become so con- 
tracted as to bring them close together. Hence the name 
of locked jaw. 

The causes of this disease are numerous, but it is gener- 
ally produced from a wounded nerve or bunch of nerves, 
pricking the tail, and very often from docking, punctured 
wounds in the feet from glass or nails, and sometimes from 
severe exposure to cold, and I have known one case to occur 
from fright. As to the pulse, it is almost normal for the 
first few days. As the disease advances the pulse quickens, 



166 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT, 

and the animal is compelled to stand on his legs until 
death, if it terminates fatally. If favorably, a relaxation 
of the muscles begins from the fifth to the seventh day. 
This disease is more common in the extreme South than in 
the North. 

Treat7nent. — First, as the disease is of a nervous charac- 
ter, quietness is of the greatest importance. The animal 
should be put into an isolated place or box, by himself, and 
the cause of the disease found. If from docking, the next 
joint should be taken off the tail. If from a wound in the 
foot, the wound should be opened up and made new, and 
an application of digestive ointment inserted, so as to pro- 
duce a healthy flow of matter. When the irritation has 
ceased from the wound, a pail of gruel should be placed 
before him, in which is mixed half an ounce of tartar 
emetic. This medicine should be given daily, and the spine 
rubbed well with a strong liniment, composed of one part 
of aqua ammonia and two parts of sweet oil. This erabro- 
cation should be employed daily until the back becomes 
sore. 

Tetanus never arises from a wound until about the period 
that it may be considered healed. Bleeding about four 
quarts daily for four or five days has cured several bad 
cases. Think if the bowels can be regulated, quietness has 
more to do in producing a cure than all other remedies. 

POLL leVIL AINJD FISTULA OF THE ^WITHEKS. 

These difficulties are of the same character, though in 
different locations, and the treatment of one will be suffi- 
cient for both. Poll evil is sometimes caused by striking 
the poll against a beam or floor, being struck or otherwise 
injured, or it may be the result of constitutional predisposi- 
tion. 

When the inflammation and enlargement are first discov- 
ered, you may be able to disperse it by giving a dose of 
physic and applying cooling applications to the part. 

If the inflammation does not abate, clip the hair and rub 
on some blistering ointment. When the swelling enlarges, 
open and allow the pus' to escape; cut down to the bottom, 
making a good large orifice. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 1C7 

In treating all ulcers, there is one point that must be kept 
in mind, and that is to make an opening at the bottom if 
you can, to let the matter run out, as matter always bur- 
rows to the bottom. This should be done by running a 
seaton through, bringing it out a little lower than the bot- 
tom of the wound, or what is termed a dependent opening. 
Wash the sore out clean. It is afterwards to be washed 
clearly with any of the healing preparations for ulcers, given 
in another page. 

If pipes are formed requiring caustic medicine, you can 
use either chloride of zinc, corrosive sublimate, or any 
strong escorotic to destroy such growth, after which treat as 
before. These are very serious difficulties to treat, requir- 
ing proper dressing daily. 

Fistula of withers to be treated in the same manner. The 
principle of treating these difficulties is really the same as 
that of any ordinary deep seated ulcer, more special direc- 
tions for the treatment of which will be found under that 
head. - . 

S'WEEWY. 

Sweeny is really a fictitious disease, discarded by all relia- 
ble practitioners. They claim, and how justly I am not 
prepared to say, sweeny is the effect of diseases of the feet, 
such as corns, navicular diseases, ossification of the lateral 
cartilage, contraction, etc., producing atrophy of the mus- 
cles of the shoulder, and their treatment would be to 
remove the cause, and the effect would cease. If you wish 
to pursue a local treatment of sweeny or filling up of the 
shoulder, you can do it by the application of most any 
stimulating treatment. One of the simplest and best, which 
will work in every case, and which most horsemen will 
regard as of more value than the price of this book, is the 
application of soft soap. Add a little salt to soft soap and 
rub on the part thoroughly four or five times in the course 
of a week. Four applications will fill up the depression of 
the worst case. The regular treatment would be seatoning 
and blistering, but this will do all that is required so far as 
local treatment. 

In addition, by all means, if any difficulty is discovered 
in the foot, treat it also, as explained in another chapter. 



168 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



SPAVIN AND KINGBONE. 





There are two kinds of bone spavin, namely : Jack and 
occult, or consolidated joint. The first is located at the 
upper portion of the metatarsal bone at its juncture v/ith 
the cuboid bones. The second is usually located higher up 
and more on the inside of the astragalus bone at its junc- 
tion with the cuboid bones. 

Spavins of either of the above classes have the same ori- 
gin and same causes, namely, inflammation of the cartilage 
of the joint in the first instance, and extending to ulcera- 
tion of the bone, consequently bony matter is thrown out, 
uniting more or less of the bone of the hock and excess of 
matter and ulceration of the bones from the enlargent. 

The causes of spavin are numer- 
ous, but principally of one class, such 
as sprains, hard v\^ork, blows, and, 
in fact, any cause exciting inflamma- 
tion of this part. But a common 
cause and a great fault lies in the 
breeders of horses, as very often the 
colt is bred from spavined sire or 
Showing the Changes of struc- dam, or both, and the colt is certain 

ture Caused. ^ . % -^ ^i j • 

to mnerit the same predisposition. 

The symptoms at the commencement are treacherous. 
Very often horses are treated for hip lameness before any 
enlargement makes its appearance. The horse, at first, is 
very lame while laboring under acute inflamma- 
tion of the hock joint. He will not wear out oi 
the lameness as he does in the more advanced 
stage of the disease. The tumor generally 
makes its appearance from the fifth to the 
eighth week. Sometimes, however, the lame- 
ness is very gradual — scarcely perceptible at 
first — getting worse until there is marked lame- 
ness at starting, which will soon wear off as the Bone Spavin, 
horse warms up. 

The method of curing is varied, as there are hundreds of 
different remedies and applications. Some men go so flir 
as to pretend they can remove spavins. To a skillful practi- 
tioner this is absurd. It will be seen that if sucli quacks can 
remove the external tumor, they cannot separate the bones 




DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



169 




Natural Action. 



Effect of bad Spavin 
— Leg not brought 
Forward. 



which are united, and 
horses may be spavined 
without any visible en- 
largement. 

I can simplify all this 
to gentlemen interes- 
ted, by illustrating with 
my specimens, the lo- 
cation, nature, changes 
of structure, &c., in 
spavin, a large collec- 
tion of which I carry 
for the purpose. Sub- 
limates, muriatic, sul- 
phuric, and nitric acids form the basis of the different oint- 
ments that are applied to remove this formidable disease. 
They always make a bad sore, and blemish the animal for 
life. 

The only reasonable treatment for bone spavin is counter 
irritation and rest. If there is heat during the first few 
days, apply cooling applications, such as an ounce of sugar 
of lead to half a pail of ice water. Keep the leg wet for 
about two weeks, when it may pass off. A dose of physic 
should be given. If this stage has passed, repeated blister- 
ing with a preparation of iodine or cantharides will be 
necessary ; but much better would be the actual cautery in 
an operator's hands. Clip the hair closely over a large 
surface four or five inches above and below the enlarge- 
ment, and then out to the middle of the back and fore- 
parts of the leg. Any of the strong blisters recommended 
for spavins, for which formulas are given below, are to be 
used. If a blister, rub it in well with the hand for ten 
minutes or more. In two days put on some grease. When 
the inflammation goes down, wash with warm water and 
castile soap, and when ,dry put on more blister, and so re- 
peat, keeping up just as much irritation as you can without 
destroying the hair. In the meantime, the horse must be 
kept in a comfortable stall, for one of the conditions of cure 
is rest. Keep up the inflammation in this way for four or 
five weeks, after which give a run to grass. It is sometimes 
necessary to blister lightly, if the lameness does not disap- 
pear, in six or eight weeks, which may be repeated a few 
8 




170 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

times, with iodine ointment in the proportion of one part 
of iodine to four of lard. 

Work should be light, if any, within 
three months. This treatment will usually 
cure without leaving a blemish. 

Treat ringbones on the same principle. 
Trim off the hair and blister in the same 
manner, observing the same condition of 
rest. As regards taking off the enlarge- 
ment, this treatment is" as effectual towards 
that end as can be used. 

Several of the very best recipes for the 
cure of spavins and ringbones will be 

Ringbone. ^^nd below._ 

Bear m mmd, you must always clip the 
hair off of the part to be blistered, and that the medicine 
must be rubbed in well with the hand for ten minutes. 

VERY STRONG BLISTER FOR SPAVINS, RINGBONES, CURBS, ETC. 

Finely powdered cantharides, i oz.; powdered euphor- 
bium, 2 drams; lard i oz.; tar, 2 oz. 

A VERY ACTIVE BLISTER FOR SPAVIN, RINGBONE, ETC. 

Two drams corrosive sublimate, i oz. lard, ^^ oz. tar, 2 
drams cantharides. Rub and mix well together. 

A GOOD BLISTER FOR SPAVIN, RINGBONE, ETC. 

Biniodide of mercury, }^ dram; cantharides, i dram; 
lard, I oz. 

A fine blister for any purpose requiring counter irritation 
and absorption, will take off curbs, splints, &c. 

POWERFUL ABSORBING BLISTER FOR SPAVIN AND RINGBONE. 

Equal parts of beniodide of mercury and cantharides, 
three parts of tar and lard each. Rub in well with tlie 
hand for three mornings, and use lard after to soften and 
take off the scab, when it may be repeated if necessary. 

SWEATING LINIMENT FOR WINDGALLS, ETC. 

i 

Strong mercurial ointment, 2 oz.; camphor, }4 oz.; oil 
of rosemary, 2 drams ; oil of turpentine, i oz. Mix. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 171 

VERY STRONG SWEATING BLISTER, FOR WINDGALLS, CURBS, 
SPLINTS, ETC. 

Biniodide of mercury, ^ to i dram; powdered arnica 
leaves, i dram ; soap liniment, 2 oz. Mix. 

A FINE ABSORBENT FOR TAKING DOWN ENLARGEMENTS 
OF ANY KIND. 

One ounce beniodide of mercury ; from i to 3 ounces of 
lard, according to the strength desired. 

The following remedy for the cure of spavin and ring- 
bone is regarded as one of the best used. It is sold in the 
Mohawk Valley, (where I obtained the prescription,) for 
^5.00 a box, and Fifty Dollars has been paid for this re- 
ceipt. It is, I think, the best of this class of prescriptions 
published. 

FOR SPAVIN AND RINGBONE. 

Five ounce euphorbium, 2 oz. Spanish flies (fine), i oz. 
iodine, dissolved Avith alcohol, ^ oz. red precipitate, i oz. 
corrosive sublimate, ^ oz. quicksilver, 6 oz. hog's lard, 
6 oz. white turpentine, ^ lb. verdigris. Melt the lard and 
turpentine together, then while hot add all together. Mix 
well ; when cold it is fit for use. Rub it in thoroughly on 
the spavin every day for three days ; then wash clean with 
soap suds ; omit for three days and then repeat for three 
days again, and so on until a perfect cure is produced. 
Should it blister, use it more cautiously. 

This medicine will get up as much inflammation as you 
desire, and must be applied cautiously or it will blemish. 

The following remedy for the cure of ringbone and 
spavin, and taking off enlargements, has been peddled 
through the country as a remedy of the greatest value. As 
high as one hundred dollars has been paid for this receipt. 
I give it as given me. 

Take alcohol, 14 oz.; iodine, 304 grains; bichloride of 
mercury, 150 grains. I^et stand in a sand bath twenty-two 
hours, then add 230 drops croton oil; let it stand in sand 
bath twenty-two hours longer, then bottle for use. 

Next take quicksilver, 14 oz.; nitric acid, 7 oz.; stir one 
minute; cantharides, 7 drams ; stir five minutes; sulphuric 



172 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

acid, 7 oz.; stir three minutes; 50 drops of the above lini- 
ment. Let stand five hours, stir every half hour, then add 
7 oz. prepared chalk. 

First shave the hair off the ''bunch," then apply the 
liniment with a lather brush. Sprinkle a little of the pow- 
der on paper, and rub on, after washing with the liniment. 
When the bunch is reduced two-thirds, wash with warm 
water and castile soap. In twenty-four hours grease. 

This is one of the very strongest remedies used for spavin 
and ringbone, and if not used with great care is pretty sure 
to blemish. I will here state that educated practitioners 
use the milder treatment, immediately following the des- 
cription of spavin. Properly done, the actual cautery or 
firing is undoubtedly the best and most reliable treatment. 
This is the treatment I use for these difficulties. Dr. Wm. 
Somerville frequently charges $100 for curing spavins, &c., 
on valuable horses by firing, guaranteeing not to blemish. 
While the operation of itself is simple, it is one that requires 
rare practical skill, and is done successfully only by a few 
of the best practitioners. 

Youatt, one of the best of the old English authors, says 
in regard to 

FIKlJSi G. 

Whatever seeming cruelty may attend this operation, it is, in many 
cases, indispensable. The principle on which we have recourse to it 
is similar to that which justifies the use of a blister; by producing 
superficial inflammation we may be enabled to remove a deeper-seated 
one, or we may excite the absorbents to take away any unnatural bony 
or other tumor: it has also this additional advantage, that, while it 
raises intenser external inflammation than we can produce by other 
means, it is the most powerful agent that we have at our disposal. 
Humanity, however, will dictate, that on account of inflammation which 
it excites, and the pain which it inflicts, it should only be had recourse 
to when milder means have failed, except in those cases in which ex- 
perience has taught us that milder means rarely prove successful. 

The part which is to be submitted to the operation is shaved, or the 
hair is cut from it as closely as possible with the trimming scissors. 
This is necessary to biding the iron into immediate contact with the 
skin, and likewise to prevent the smoke that will arise from the burned 
hair from obscuring the view of the operator. 

The details of the operation belong to the veterinary surgeon. The 
grand points to be attended to are to have the edge of the iron round 
and smooth; the iron itself at, or rather below red head; to pass it 
more or less rapidly over the skin, and with slighter or greater pressure, 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 173 

according to the degree of heat ; to burn into the skin until the line 
produced by the iron is of a brown colour, rather light than dark, and 
by all means avoid penetrating the skin. Leaving the additional 
cruelty of deep firing out of the question, we may depend on it that, if 
the skin is burned thi-ough, inflammation, and ulceration, and sloughing 
will ensue, which will be with much difficulty combated; which will 
unavoidably leave unnecessary blemish, and which have destroyed 
many valuable horses. It may happen, nevertheless, that by a sudden 
plunge of the animal, the skin will be unavoidably cut through. The 
act of firing requires much skill and tact, and the practitioner cannot be 
always on his guard against the struggles of the tortured beast. It will, 
also, and not unfrequently occur, that the skin, partially divided, will 
separate in two or three days after the operation. This must not be 
attributed to any neglect or unskillfulness of the surgeon, and the ulcer 
ration thus produced will be slight, and easily treated, compared with 
that caused by the actual burning through of the skin. 

Some practitioners blister immediately after firing. As a general 
usage, it is highly to be reprobated. It is wanton and useless cruelty; 
but it may be required in bony tumors of considerable extent, and 
long standing, and interfering materially with the action of the neigh- 
boring joint. Spavin, accompanied by much lameness, and ring-bone 
spreading round the coronet, and involving the side cartilages, or the 
pastern-joint, may justify it. The inflammation is rendered more in- 
tense, and of considerably longer duration. In old affections of the 
round bone it may be admitted, but no excuse can be made for it in 
slighter cases of sprain, or weakness, or staleness. 

On the day after the operation, it will be prudent gently to rub some 
neat's-foot oil or lard over the lines. This will soften the skin, and 
render it less likely to separate or ulcerate ; a bandage would add to 
the irritation of the part. Any cracks of the skin, or ulceration that 
may ensue, must be treated with the calamine ointment already recom- 
mended. 

It will be evident that there is an advantage derived from firing to 
which a blister can have no pretension. The skin, partially destroyed 
by the iron, is reinstated and heakd, not merely by the formation of 
some new matter filling up the vacuity, but by the gradual drawing to- 
gether and closing of the separated edges. The skin, therefore is 
lessened in surface ; it is tightened over the part, and it acts as a salutary 
and permanent bandage. Of the effect of pressure in removing enlarge- 
ments of every kind, as well as giving strength to the part to which it 
is applied, we have repeatedly spoken; and it is far from being the 
least valuable effect of the operation of firing, that by contracting the 
skin, it affords a salutary, equable, and permanent pressure. It was on 
this principle, but the practice cannot be defended, that colts which 
were not very strong on the legs, used to be fired round the fetlock, and 
along the back sinews, or over the hock, to brace and strengthen the 
parts. It is on the same principle that a racer or a hunter, that has be- 
come stale and stiff, is sometimes fired and turned out. For whatever 
reason the horse is fired, he should, if practicable, be turned out, or 
soiled in a loose box, for three or four months at least. The full effect 



174 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



intended to result from the external irritation is not soon produced, 
and the benefit derived from pressure proceeds still more slowly. In 
the thickened and tender state of the skin, and the substance beneath, 
for some weeks after firing, a return to hard work would be likely to 
excite a new inflammation, and cause even worse mischief than that 
which before existed. 

Some weeks pass before the tumefied parts begin to lessen, and they 
only who have had experience in these cases would imagine how long, 
with gentle voluntary exercise, the process of absorption is carried on. 
He, therefore, who whould expect that much good should accrue from 
the operation of firing, must be content to give up his horse for three or 
four months; but if he will use him sooner, and a worse lameness 
should follow, let him blame his own impatience, and not the inefficiency 
of the means, or want of skill in the surgeon. 

The firing in every case should be either in longitudinal or parallel 
lines. On the back sinews, the fetlock, and the coronet, this is 
peculiarly requisite, for thus only will the skin contract so as to form 
the greatest and most equable pressure. 

The operation of firing is one that I am thoroughly practiced in, 
competent to perform in the most successful manner. 





BLOOD SPAVIN, THOROUGH PIN, 

Soft enlargements upon the hock. If not of long standing 
the following will be found very 
effective, though simple : Rub 
on soft soap, to which has been 
added a little salt, at night, and 
vv^ash off in the morning. Two 
or three applications will cure, 
if recently caused. If of long- 
duration, blister two or three 
times, as for bone spavin. 

Thorough Pin. 



SPLINTS. 

This is an enlargement between 
the cannon and splint bones, show- 
ing itself on the inside of the fore 
leg. The same treatment as for 
spavin. 



Bog, or Blood 
Spavin. 




Changes Ihat may 
be Produced. 



Splint. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 
CURB, 



175 





Clean Hock. 



Curb. 



Curb. 



This is an enlargement of the integument, and in some 
cases of bony deposit, usually caused by a strain. It is 
situated on the back part of the hock, just below the cap. 
Blister with remedy for spavin. 

SPRAIN OF THE BACK SINEWS. 

The animal becomes suddenly lame, and by use grows 
worse. Pass the fingers down 
on each of the tendons back 
of the knee. A little enlarge- 
ment, if there, with considera- 
ble inflammation, will be dis- 
covered. Use cooling astringent 
liniment until the acute stage 
passes off. If not better then, 
blister, observing to give the 
animal rest. Firing is the most 

reliable treatment. Enlargement ca^jsed^by Sprain of the 




COFFIN JOINT LAMENESS 

Is often mistaken by those who are not capable of locating 
the diseases of horses' feet to be lameness of the shoulder, 
from the fact that generally after the shoe is removed, and 
no external injury is discovered in the foot, some distant 
part is selected as the location of the disease. Navicular 
disease is dangerous and treacherous in its progress and 
development. It is commonly caused by violent sprains of 
the navicular joint, although sometimes, and, in fact, very 
often, may be induced by a contusion of the frog; and 



176 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENTo 




again, there is a disposition to have this disease from heredi- 
tary causes. 

The coffin joint is composed of three bones : the os 
pedis, the navicular and small pastern bones. The navicu- 
lar bones answer the purpose of a sup- 
port in allowing great elasticity of mo- 
tion. The flexor tendon inserts itself 
into the os pedis, and passes immediate- 
ly over the navicular bone, so that at 
each step the navicular bone is thrown 
upon one part of the os pedis and small 
pastern at the same time. It will be 
seen that in all cases of lameness of this 
joint, as well as in any other joint lame- 
ness, that the cartilage of the bones is 
inflamed, and as the disease progresses 
ulceration takes place, and consequently 
ancholosis. It is almost striving against 
hope to be able to explain to the gener- 
al reader the symptoms to enable ability 
to locate the disease with any degree of 
certainty. Corns or bruises of the sole, 
contraction, or almost any cause exciting 
inflammation in the foot, may cause simi- 
lar lameness, and to an ordinary observer 
there cannot be that fine judgment 
necessary to trace from certain pecu- 
liarities the location of the trouble. 
Horses having navicular disease invariably travel more on 
the toe than on the heel, consequently the shoe is always 
worn more at the toe than at the heel. The hoof rarely or 
never is malformed, but the disease commonly occurs in 
healthy looking feet, contraction of one or both heels, which 
will in many cases interfere with the outer cartilage of the 
joint. In the cases of long standing the frog appears to 
recede, and does not have a natural appearance. If the 
horse is taken suddenly lame, sometimes scarcely putting 
the foot down, and only presses upon the toe, feel of the 
foot carefully. If there is heat around the top of the hoof 
and tenderness — even a little at the heel — there is probably 
strain of the coffin joint. In incipent cases (first stages) 
there is fever and tenderness to motion of the joint, which 



Section of the Parts En- 
tering into the Compo- 
sition of the Foot, and 
the Fetlock and Pas- 
tern Joints. 

a Os suffraginis. 6 Os 
coronse. c Os pedis, d 
Os naviculare. e e The 
perforans and perforatus 
tendons, g Inferior sesa- 
moideal ligament. 7i 
Cleft of frog, i Side of 
frog cleft, j Sole, k 
Crust. / Coronary sub- 
stance. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 17V 

is noticeable by catching the foot in one hand, the ankle in 
the other, and twisting a little. The animal will show pain 
and resist. 

As to treatment, in the first stage, the shoe should be re- 
moved, and have the toe of the shoe hammered down. 
The heels should be raised, and applied again so as to 
remove all pressure from the frog, and a cloth or rug satur- 
ated with cold water applied to the coronet. The bottom 
of the foot should be stuffed with oil meal or some adhesive 
substance. If this is done for a few days, with rest, the 
first attack will generally pass off. 

In the more advanced stage of this di ease it will require 
thorough treatment. The shoe should be formed and ap- 
plied as before, and a severe blistering applied to the 
coronet, which should be continued for from one to three 
weeks, with rest. At a still more advanced stage the frog 
seaton may be used, but this must be done by an ex- 
perienced practitioner. 

In all cases of this disease the animal will require con- 
siderable rest. 

I would here remark that in an advanced stage of the 
disease the horse is a little lame, sometimes worse, at others 
better; rough road and down hill worse; is no worse to be 
at work ; usually no apparant change in the hoof; will go 
better when the heels are raised by using high-heeled shoes ; 
worse by bringing heels to the ground. 

LAMENESS. 

In treating lameness successfully, it is necessary to be 
able to understand the peculiarities of joint from muscular 
lameness, — in fact, of the action and movement incidental 
to each. 

The horse is, for example, lame in the fore foot, and with- 
out knowing just what the trouble is, something must be 
done, and the shoulder is furiously attacked, being blistered, 
seatoned or subjected to some needless form of cruelty 
which can have no effect whatever on the injured part. 

In the first place, if the shoulder is strained or injured, 

the horse cannot raise or put the foot forward naturally. 

He will drag it like, giving it a sort of swinging motion, 

and does not bring it very far forward. On the other hand, 

8* 



178 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT, 

if the injury is in the foot, the foot is raised up and put 
forward easily and naturally, but is put down tenderly. 

Again, a case of muscular lameness, such as shoulder 
lameness, straining of the back sinews, (suspensatory liga- 
ments,) the lameness will get worse by use. That of the 
foot, such as corns, coffin joint lameness, pricking with a 
nail, etc. , remain about the same ; besides, if there is much 
soreness in the foot, from contraction, corns, pricking, 
strain of the coffin joint, the foot will be put forward or 
rested upon the toe. This will always be the case if there 
is much soreness of the heels, as resting upon the toe re- 
lieves the pressure and pain. Hence it is a marked 
symptom of coffin joint injury, of corns and thickening of 
the lateral cartilages. 

Again, if there is much inflammation, increased heat can 
be felt in the foot. 

FIRST, SHOULDER LAMENESS. 

Symptoms. — The animal drags the leg, with the toe on 
ground, and cannot raise the foot. 

Ti^eatment. — Local bleeding from the plate vein on the 
inside of the leg is very effectual, with a purging ball. Fo- 
menting the shoulder with hot water will be found useful. 
If, in a few days, fomentations do not succeed, and the case 
seems obstinate, rub on thoroughly soft soap and salt, which 
will be found a fine stimulant, and is easily obtained. If 
any eruption should arise from the application of this dress- 
ing, apply a little sweet oil or lard, which will remove the 
scab in a few days. 

PKICKING. 

If the horse becomes lame after being shod, examine the 
foot carefully. If pricked by driving any of the nails too 
near the quick, there will be heat and tenderness in the 
hoof easily discovered. Tap the nails around carefully; 
when the part injured is struck there will be prompt resist- 
ance shown. Have the shoe taken off, and cut down to 
where the nail strikes the quick, enough to make room for 
any matter that may have formed to escape ; then poultice 
with flax seed meal until the inflammation is reduced, when 
a little tar, resin, or tallow, or something of this kind, 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 179 

should be put on, and the opening filled up with a little tow 
to prevent gravel or dirt from getting in, and put the shoe 
on again. 

CORNS. 

Described in the article on Shoeing. The most difficult 
corns to treat are those in weak, broad heels. If in a high, 
strong heel, and contracted, all that is necessary to do is to 
trim out the corn, dress it with a little mild caustic to pro- 
duce a healthy action, fitting the shoe so as to preclude all 
pressure upon the part, and the horse will go off all right. 
There is not horn enough to protect the heel from pressure 
when the heel is wide and weak, we must now accomplish 
two ends : remove pressure from the sole, and at the same 
time make the heels strong by growing strong, healthy horn. 
Put on a nicely fitting bar shoe, which will protect the heel 
by bringing pressure upon the frog. 

The usual and scientific treatment is to apply a strong 
cantharides blister right over the seat of the corn, on the 
coronet. Stimulants of any kind will increase the action. 
Many remedies are used for this purpose with varied effects, 
but regular blistering really stands at the head of all. There 
is great danger of separation from the continued pressure 
of the shoe upon the affected part. The blacksmith may 
tell you it is a gravel, to shield himself from his inability 
to fit a shoe that will relieve pressure. In such a case it 
will be jiecessary to let the animal lie still and dress the 
part with an astringent, such as alum and water, sugar of 
lead and water. After the feet seem healthy, put on a bar 
shoe as before stated, and put the animal to work. 

The following remedy seems to have a splendid effect in 
removing soreness and growing the feet. I know of its 
being sold for ten dollars. It is the best thing for the cure 
of weak, sore feet I ever saw. It softens the hoof and 
grows horn rapidly, as well as removes soreness. 

HOOF LINIMENT FOR CONTRACTED OR SORE FEET. 

Venice turpentine, ^ pint; aqua ammonia, 2 oz.; salts 
of niter, i oz.; benzine, i oz.; alcohol, 3 oz. Apply to the 
edge of the hair and all over the hoof once a day for a week; 
after that, for a week or two, three or four times a week, as 
7nay be necessary. 



180 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

The effect of this preparation on sore, weak feet, and 
upon contracted feet, in many cases, is wonderful, and is 
undoubtedly the best preparation for the feet yet published. 
It is well, however, to bear in mind that the primary con- 
dition of curing contraction is the use of mechanical means 
of expansion as given under that head. 

STEPPING ON TRAILS, GLASS, OR ANYTHING THAT 
PCJNCTUBES THE SOLE OR FROG. 

The first thing to be attended to is to remove the nail, 
glass, or whatever it is, from the foot, carefully. See that 
no part remains, and remove a little of the hoof from 
around the opening. Drop a few drops of Friar's balsam 
into the orifice, and cover the part with a flax seed poultice. 
Friar's balsam can be obtained in almost any drug store. 
If this is not obtainable use the simple digestive ointment, 
given in another chapter. 

HIP LAMENESS 

Is a formidable disease. Its principal seat is in the whirl- 
bone joint, and is usually caused by sprains or falls. The 
animal from this form of lameness will stand on the affected 
limb, and will not show lameness. The muscles are not 
called into action in elevating the limb. Then there is a 
dragging or swaying motion of the limb outwards. By plac- 
ing the hand on the hip joint, an extra degree of heat will 
be found to invest this part. 

Treatment. — First, absolute rest ; next, same treatment 
and remedies as given for shoulder lameness. Treatment 
should be repeated until recovered, which requires from one 
to two weeks. 

RETENTION OF URINE. 

The most common cause is keeping the animal at work, 
not giving tmie to urinate, and a spasm of the neck of the 
bladder or gravelly concretions ; any cause of irritation 
may cause spasm. Symptoms are the same as in inflamma- 
tion of the kidneys, except standing very wide behind, and 
when walking, a straddling gait resembling a cow with a 
very full bag. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 181 

The most prompt treatment is to use the catheter, and 
scarcely anything more is necessary. But if one is not ob- 
tainable, bleed freely and give a strong opiate. 3 oz. tinct. 
opium, in half pint of water. 

^ SCOUKS, OR PURGING. 

This disease is generally produced by two causes : change 
of food or water, or unhealthy food, and sometimes through 
nervous excitement. 

Cure. — Neutralize the acids in the bowels by giving an 
ounce and a half of prepared chalk and a dram and a half 
of powdered catechu, mixed in a pint of water. Give once 
or twice a day until purging ceases. Keep the animal with- 
out exercise, and do not give much water to drink. 

If this disease should arise from nervous excitement, give 
a dram of powdered opium in the food once a day for three 
or four days. 

PROFUSE STALING. 

The causes of this disease are, the improper use of diu- 
retic medicines, as saltpeter, resin, &c. Unwholesome food 
will sometimes produce it. 

Treatment. — Give one of the following balls every night : 
Powdered opium, ^ oz. j powdered kino, i oz. ; prepared 
chalk, I oz. Mix with molasses, and make six balls. 

Or give the following powder once a day mixed in the 
food : gentian powdered, sulphate iron, a dram and a half 
of each. 

BLOODY URINE 

Is generally the result of injuries of the loins, unwholesome 
food, violent exercise, &c. 

Treatme?tt. —G'lYQ plenty linseed tea to drink; if the ani- 
mal refuses it, drench him. Give internally, once a day, 
one of the following pills: sugar of lead, i oz.; linseed 
meal, 2 oz. Mix with molasses and divide into eight parts. 

SPASMODIC ACTION OF THE DIAPHRAGM, 

Commonly called thumps, is caused by severe and long 
continued driving and hard work. Horses of a nervous 



182 



' DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



temperament having too much cold water given to drink on 
a cold morning, nervous irritation, severe work or excite- 
ment from any cause, may excite this trouble. 

Syr?iptoms. — A sudden jerking or twitching of the muscles 
of the sides and flanks; pulse wiry, quick and low, more or 
less fever; extremities natural. 

Cure. — This disease being of a purely spasmodic charac- 
ter, but in this case wholly of a nervous nature, bleeding 
must be omitted, and must be treated wholly by giving 
spasmodic remedies. Give assafoetida, in a dose of from 
I to 3 ounces of the tincture, mixed in a half pint of wa- 
ter. Given as a drench will stop it almost instantly. 

If necessary, the medicine may be repeated in two hours. 
Keep the horse well clothed, and keep all exciting causes 
away from him. The bowels should be kept loose and regu- 
lar, by giving bran mashes and moderate exercise. 

WOKMS. 



The symptoms of worms are debility, feebleness, slug- 
gish movements, emaciation, staring coat, hide bound, 
skin covered with blotches, irregular and capricious appe- 
tite, tucked up belly, pallid ap- 
pearance of the lining mem- 
brane of the lip, badly digested 
faeces, rubs the tail, and where 
fundament worms exist a whi- 
tish substance will be found 
about the fundament. 

Give of calomel, 3 drams; 
tartar emetic, i dram. Mix and 
divide into three powders; one to be given at night for 
three successive nights. To be followed, in twenty-four 
hours, with a good purging ball. 




Symptoms of Worms. 





Tfeuia, or Tape Worm. 



Different. Kinds of Worms. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. • 183 

I]SrFLAMMATIO]Sr 05^ THE EYES. 

Symptoms. — A watery discharge from the eye, eyelids 
partly closed, membrane of lid on under side much red- 
dened. 

In ordinary cases all that is necessary to do is to keep 
the horse quiet and bathe the eye with cold water. Either 
of the following will be found good : 

Laudanum, i oz.; rain water, i pint. Mix. Or, acetate 
of lead, I dram; sulphate of zinc, ^ dram; rain water, 3 
pints. Mix for use. 

Either of the above may be applied with a soft sponge 
two or three times a day. 

Give on the tongue, three or four times a day, three or 
four drops of belladonna. 

More thorough treatment would be a seaton below the 
eye, which of itself, will soon, in most cases, effect a cure. 

The following is perhaps one of the very best eye washes 
used. It is a favorite remedy of great value. I insert it as 
given me. 

EYE \^ASH. 

Take three hen's eggs and break them into a quart of 
clear cold rain water; stir until a thorough mixture is ef- 
fected ; boil over a slow fire, stirring every few minutes ; 
add half an ounce of sulphate of zinc, (white vitriol;) con- 
tinue the boiling a short time, and the compound is ready 
for use. In this preparation a solid substance, or curd, is 
precipitated or thrown down, and a liquid solution rests 
upon the top. This is the best wash for sore eyes of either 
man or beast that was ever made. The curd applied to the 
inflamed eye at night will draw the fever and soreness 
nearly all out by morning. After two or three days the 
water should be strained from the curd, and put into a 
bottle for future use. This eye wash is invaluable. When 
applied to the human eye it should be diluted. 

A gentleman who had a copy of my old edition, having 
this remedy in it, informed me that he was offered ^10 for 
the book on account of the value of this receipt, having 
used it in his neighborhood with great success, and that he 
would not sell it at any price. 



184 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



CUTS OR WOUNDS— REMEDIES FOR. 

If the cut or wound is very bad, trim the hair off close 
around the edges, and wash out carefully with warm water 
and castile soap. The object next is to produce a granulating 
process. There is hardly any use in sewing up cuts, as the 
stitches will sluff out. In treating deep wounds, or cuts or 
ulcers of any kind, bear in mind that the matter must be 
sponged or syringed out daily with castile soap and warm 
water, or what is termed a dependent opening must be made 
for the matter to run oif. Matter alv/ay burrows or pockets. 
The principle is the same in all cases, — using caustic to cut 
out fungous or other diseased growths ; using for indolent 
ulcers proportionately more stimulating preparations than 
for those in a fresh, healthy condition. 

THE FOLLO^WING DIGESTIVE OINTMENT 

is unrivaled for the cure of cuts or fresh wounds on horse- 
flesh, and is alone worth more than the price of this book 
to any horseman. 

For a healing ointment the following is unrivaled: 2)^ 
lbs. palm oil, 2 lbs. lard, ^ lb. gum turpentine, ^ lb. 
beeswax, i lb. calamine. Simmer all together over a slow 
fire, and it will be fit for use. Put a little in the wound 
once a day. Wash the wound with warm water and castile 
soap before applying the ointment. 

A GOOD SIMPLE HEALING PKEPAKATION. 

Blue vitriol, in the proportion of two drams to a pint of 
water is an excellent application for wounds. If a caustic 
effect is desired, increase the quantity to an ounce or more, 
and it will be found a fine preparation to rouse old ulcers 
to a healthy action. Good for poll evil or other ulcers. 

A fine healing lotion is : Tincture myrrh, i oz. ; tincture 
aloes, 2 oz. ; water, j^ pint. Mix, and apply once a day. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 185 



HEALING OINTMENT FOB. CUTS, GALLS, ETC. GOOD. 

Oxide of zinc, pulverized fine, 4 drams; carbolic acid, 6 
grains ; lard, i ounce. Melt the lard and stir in the zinc. 
Add the carbolic acid and mix thoroughly. Apply once or 
twice a day to the cut or injury. Will cause a healthy dis- 
charge from a foul ulcer. 

XINIMENT FOR OPEN 'WOUNDS. A FINE 
PREPARATION. 

Take sulphate of copper (copperas), i oz.; white vitriol, 
2 oz.; muriate of soda (salt), 2 oz.j oil linseed, 2 oz.;- 
Orleans molasses, 8 oz. Boil over a slow fire fifteen minutes, 
in a pint of urine, all of the above ingredients. When 
nearly cold add i oz. of oil of vitriol and 4 oz. spirits of 
turpentine, and bottle for use. Apply to the wound with a 
quill, which will soon set the wound to discharging, and 
perform a cure in a few days. Be careful to keep the wound 
covered either with a bandage or a plaster. Should be 
applied once or twice a day until it discharges freely. 



-WASH FOR FRESH 'WOUNDS. A FAVORITE 
REMEDY OF GREAT VALUE. 

One teaspoonful white vitriol, i teaspoonful copperas, 2 
teaspoonfuls fine gunpowder; add to i quart of boiling 
water, and let it stand until cool. If the wound is deep, 
apply with a syringe. One of the best of remedies for the 
purpose recommended. 

LINIMENT FOR FOUL ULCERS. GOOD. 

Sulphate of copper, i oz.; nitric acid, ^ oz.; water, 8 
to 12 oz. 

COOLING LINIMENT FOR EXTERNAL INFLAM- 
MATION. GOOD. 

Goulard extract, i oz.; vinegar, 2 oz.; spirits of wine, 3 
oz.; water, jj4 pints. Apply with a bandage. 



186 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

FOR IKFLAMED LEG, GALLED SHOULDERS OR BACK. 
A REALLY GOOD THING. 

Sal ammoniac, i oz.; vinegar, 4 oz.; spirits of wine, 2 
oz.; tincture arnica, 2 drams; water, ^ pint. Mix, and 
bathe with it often and thoroughly. 

BUTTER OF ANTIMONY. 

For corns, canker, indisposition of the sole to secrete 
healthy horn, wounds in the foot not attended by healthy 
action, and for every case where the superficial application 
of a caustic is needed, the chloride of antimony (butter of 
antimony) is one of the very best. 

STICKING-PLASTER, FOR CUTS OR WOUNDS. 

Burgundy pitch, 4 oz.; tallow, 2 oz. Melt the articles 
together, and spread on linen or cloth while hot. Cut in 
strips of proper length and width, and draw the wound 
together; warm the strips and apply them. Clip the hair 
short where the plaster is to be applied. 

WASH FOR REDUCING AN INFLAMED WOUND. 

One oz. sulphate of zinc, i oz. crotus martes, ^ oz. sugar 
of lead, I pint water. A sore will not smell bad when this 
wash is used. 



SPRAINS AND BRUISES. 

It must be borne in mind, the first object in treating 
acute inflammation caused by injury of any kind is to lower 
the inflammation. Cold water, or one ounce of sugar of 
lead to a pint of water, would be better, and is a remedy of 
great value, to be used repeatedly until relief is afforded. 

The following is excellent : Saltpeter, 4 oz.; sugar of lead, 
I oz.; muriate of ammonia, i oz.; common salt, i pint; 
cold water, 2 galls. Mix and bathe the parts aff'ected ; or 
keeu constantly wet with the following, which is good: 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT, • 187 

Tincture arnica, 2 oz.; cold water, i quart. Tliis will pre- 
vent inflammation or swelling following a bruise or sprain. 



ANODYNE STIMULATING LINIMENT. 

Spirits of hartshorn, i^ oz.j sulphuric ether, ly^ oz.; 
spirits of turpentine, ^ oz.; sweet oil, ^ oz.; oil of cloves, 
^2 oz., chloroform, i oz. Put into a strong 8 ounce bottle 
and cork tightly; keep in a dark place, or wrap with paper. 
This liniment relieves pain, and is good for lameness, etc., 
and for all cases of strains and soreness. To be well- 
rubbed in. 

Oil of turpentine, i oz.; tine, opium, i oz.; soap liniment, 

1 oz.; tine, capsicum, ^ oz. Stimulating liniment; good 
for rheumatism, sprains, etc. 

MAGIC LINIMENT. 

Used very generally; good not only for sprains, bruises, 
etc., after the acute stage, but a fine counter-irritant for 
pleurisy, inflammation, etc.: Oil of spike, 2 oz.; organum, 

2 oz.; hemlock, 2 oz.; wormwood, 2 oz.; sweet oil, 4 oz.; 
spirits ammonia, 2 oz.; gum camphor, 2 oz.; spirits turpen- 
tine, 2 oz.; proof spirits, i quart — 90 per cent. Mix well 
together, and bottle tight. 

FOR FRESH STRAINS, ETC. 

Carbonate ammonate, 2 ounces; apple vinegar, y^ gill. 
Rub in well. 



TO ABATE S^WELLING CAUSED BY AN INJURY. 

Take common wormwood, 2 oz. ; New England rum, i 
quart. Steep the wormwood in the liquor and apply thor- 
oughly. 

A FINE SIMPLE LINIMENT. 

Two parts ammonia to 4 parts of soft water, good for 
strains, etc. 



188 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



THSUSH. 

This is a rotting of the frog, with a discharge of matter 
from the cleft or division of the frog, occasionally producing 
lameness. The treatment is simple and effectual. Wash the 
parts well with soap and water, then apply powdered 
sulphate of copper to the parts, and fill up all the cavities 
with cotton, packed in so as to keep out all dirt. This 
process should be repeated in a few days if necessary. 

For Thrush or Canker : Burnt alum, 4 oz. ; sulphate of 
iron, 2 oz.; sulphate of copper, i oz.; camphor, 2 dra.ms. 
Mix. 

MAGIC HEALING PKEPAKATION. 

Burnt alum, ^ oz.; prepared chalk, i oz.; pulverized gum 
camphor, i dram; calamine, pulverized, 2 drams. Mix. 

Sprinkle on the sore. Its effect will be apparently w^onder- 
ful, healing a simple wound in a few hours. 

If it is desired to cicatrice a wound quickly, this is to be 
used. Good for fresh wounds, galls of collar, saddle, or in 
fact for any purpose requiring a fine healing astringent. 
This is the receipt for the wonderful healing powder so 
much advertised. Its effect will appear wonderful to those 
not accustomed to its use. It is just the thing for sore or 
lacerated mouths, or any such difficulty requiring great 
astringent healing properties. 



TO REDUCE SWELLING OF THE LEGS AND STRENGTH- 
EN THE TENDONS AFTER HARD DRIVING. 

A favorite remedy on Lo'ng Island. One pint alcohol, 
I ordinary sized beef gall, i ounce organum, i ounce oil 
of spike, I ounce gum myrrh, ^ ounce camphor gum. 
First wash and rub clean and dry. Then bathe with the 
liniment and rub dry. Then apply again and bandage the 
leg, being careful not to bandage too tight. 

This is the best liniment for the purpose recommended I 
have ever used. It should be kept in every stable. 

This is a splendid remedy for the above purpose. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 189 

TO KECRUIT A HORSE HIDE-BOUND OR OTHERWISE 
OUT OF SORTS. 

Nitrate potassa (or saltpeter), 4 oz.; crude antimony, 
I oz.; sulphur, 3 oz. Nitrate of potassa and antimony 
should be finely pulverized, then add the sulphur, and mix 
the whole well together. Dose: A.tablespoonful of the 
mixture in a bran mash daily, for a week or two. 

This will be found an excellent remedy. It was given me 
ten years ago, by Dr. T. Burton, of Fultonville, N. Y., (one 
of the most successful of medical practitioners, and not only 
one of the best horsemen with whom, in my varied experi- 
ence, I have become acquainted, but one of the best men I 
have ever met, and to whose interest and encouragement I 
am more than to any other single cause indebted for my great 
success. It was by this gentleman's advice that I made a se- 
ries of models with which to illustrate the principles of shoe- 
ing, which have so often since been admired by horsemen. 
There are a few chance acquaintances I have made during 
the inception of a checkered career in my profession, the 
remembrance of whom becomes at all times only a growing 
source of pleasure and encouragement, but chief of them 
all stands this gentleman, whose encouraging predictions I 
now take the liberty of acknowledging in this connection, 
as an assurance of my continued appreciation of his inter- 
est so long ago, and that I have done the best I could to 
prove worthy of his high, flattering assurance of my future 
success.) 

CRACKED HEELS. 

Two ounces resin, 2 ounces copperas, 2 ounces alum, 
I ounce beeswax, i pint tar, size hen's egg of tallow; boil 
over a slow fire, skim off the filth and add the scrapings of 
sweet elder a handful ; when cool, fit for use. 

This is the best local application for cracked heels or 
stuffing of the heels that I have ever used, and is in fact 
one of the very best of healing preparations. 

Six years ago, in Ohio, Turco had an aggravated crack- 
ing and stuffing of heels of so bad a character that I feared 
stuffing of the hoofs. In defiance of all the treatment I 
could then think of for cure, I was compelled to poultice, 
and did so continually, using a variety of preparations, 



190 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

including charcoal and night soil as experiments. Of course, 
I could now manage such a case easily, but at that time all 
my efforts were baffled, and there was a strong prospect of 
my favorite horse I then valued at three thousand dollars, 
being ruined. 

At this time, an old gentleman who claimed some success 
as a ''horse doctor," saw the case, and, against my judg- 
ment, insisted upon using this remedy, which he said would 
cure it in two weeks, and, to my surprise and gratification, 
there was a perfect cure in less than that time. 

There was no internal treatment given. It will be found 
a remedy possessing great curative virtues for this purpose. 

In treating scratches or grease heel, a local treatment 
will always be facilitated powerfully, and is almost indis- 
pensable, by giving .a dose of physic. 

GREASE HEELS. 

This is a white, offensive, greasy discharge from the heels 
of the horse. The skin becomes hot, tender and swollen. 
The acrid character of the discharge often causes large por- 
tions of the skin to slough away, leaving an ugly sore 
behind. 

Treatment. — Open the bowels with the following ball: 
Barbadoes aloes, i oz.; pulverized gentian root, 2 drams; 
pulverized ginger, i dram; water sufficient to make the 
ball. Wash the parts well, and poultice for two or three 
days with the following : Flax seed meal mixed with a solu- 
tion of 2 drams sulphate of zinc to a pint of water, which 
keep clean, and bathe frequently with glycerine, or the solu- 
tion of zinc ; or a solution of the chloride of lime may be 
used ; or the bichloride of mercury may be used in inveter- 
ate cases with good results, provided it is not repeated 
oftener than once a week. 

CURE OF SCRATCHES. 

Four ounces tincture arnica, 4 ounces glycerine. If 
heels are cracked badly, add: i ounce iodine, 2 ounces 
tincture myrrh, yi ounce gun powder (powdered fine.) 
Put all into a bottle and shake thoroughly; put on two or 
three times a day. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 191 

In treating scratches, first give a dose of physic, or a few 
bran mashes. 

CANKEK. 

This is a more aggravated form of thrush, often proving 
very troublesome to manage. It is a continuation of the 
thrush between the horny frog and the internal structures of 
the foot, causing separation between them. 

Treatment. — Cut away all the horn which has been sepa- 
rated from the soft structures of the foot, and apply the 
following ointment : Take equal parts of pine tar and lard, 
melt over a slow fire, and add sulphuric acid very slowly 
until ebullition (boiling) ceases, and apply to the parts. 
The foot must be protected from dirt by a bandage or a 
leathern boot. 

QUITTER. 

This is a formation of pus between the hoof and the soft 
structure within ; a sore at the coronet or upper part of the 
foot, which at first is a hard, smooth tumor, soon becoming 
soft, and breaks, discharging quantities of pus. 

Treatment. — Poultice the foot for several days with flax 
seed meal. As soon as the hoof becomes soft, cut away all 
loose portions, but no more, and inject with a syringe 
either of the following once a day: Chloride of zinc, 2 
drams, dissolved in a pint of water ; or, sulphate of zinc, 
lYo. drams, in a pint of water; or, nitrate of silver, 2 
drams, in a pint of water; or glycerine may be used with 
advantage. Before using the wash have the foot well 
cleaned with castile soap and water. 

MANGE. 

Take the horse in the sun and scrub him thoroughly all 
over with castile soap and water, then wash him well from 
head to tail with gas water, in which put 2 drams white hel- 
lebore to the gallon. He must now be put in another stall, 
distant from the one in which he has been standing. Thus 
treated, it rarely requires more than one washing to effect 
a permanent cure. The harness should be thoroughly 
scrubbed and put away for six or eight weeks. These pre- 
cautions are necessary to success in this otherwise trouble- 
some disease. 



192 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

No. 2. — Oil turpentine, 4 oz.; oil tar, 4 oz.; linseed oil, 
6 oz. Mix. 

PREPABATION TO KILL LICE ON HORSES. 

One ounce of arsenic to a pail of soft water. The horse 
should be washed thoroughly in some warm place. It is 
not known to many that hen lice and common human body 
lice grow on horses with great rapidity. This remedy is a 
sure cure, 

NASAL GLEET. 

This is a chronic discharge from one or both nostrils, of 
a whitish, muco-purulent matter, the result usually of neg- 
lected catarrh. The general health of the animal does not 
seem to suffer; he looks well, feeds well and works well, 
yet we have this discharge, which is caused by weakness in 
the secretory vessels of the lining membrane of the nose. 

The successful treatment in all cases where this disorder 
has existed has been on tonic principle. Bleeding and 
purging are positively injurious. Give one of the following 
powders night and morning: Seaquin-chloride of iron, 2 
oz.; powdered cinnamon, i oz. Mix and divide into four 
powders. Or: Carbonate of iron, pulverized gentian and 
pulverized quassia, of each i oz. Divide into four pow- 
ders. Or: Nux vomica, pulverized, )^ oz.; linseed meal, 
2 oz. Divide into eight powders. Another good prepara- 
tion is: Muriate of barytes, ^ oz.; linseed meal, i oz. 
Divide into eight powders. The last is best. 

CAUSTICS 

Are substances which burn away the tissues of the body 
by decomposition of their elements, and are valuable to 
destroy fungous growth and set up healthy action. 

Corrosive sublimate, in powder, acts energetically. 

Nitrate of silver is excellent to lower granulation. 

Sulphate of copper, not so strong as the above, but good. 

Chloride of zinc is a powerful caustic. It may be used 
in sinuses, in solution, 7 drams in a pint of water. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 193 

MILDEB CAUSTICS. 

Verdigris, either in powder or mixed with lard, as an 
ointment, in proportion of one to three. 

If a wound or an ulcer will not heal so long as there is a 
foreign body, or unhealthy growth in it ; hence, if a wound 
or puncture from any cause, there must be a removal of 
hair, pieces of wood, bone, etc. No matter what you do, 
if any foreign body remains in the wound, it will not heal. 
This done, wash it or inject with warm water and castile 
soap, after which the regular digestive ointment can be 
used, or a mild solution of any of the remedies recom- 
mended for the purpose. But if fungous growths "cannot 
be removed with the knife, a caustic becomes necessary, a 
little of which is to be put on the part, or into the sinews. 
Carrying this treatment to extreme implies using a hot iron. 
(The actual cautery.) 

FAKCr— CUBE OF. 

One-quarter pound sulphur, ys pound saltpeter, i ounce 
black antimony. If acute, give one tablespoonful twice a 
day. If sub-acute, once or twice a week. 

The sum of ^50 was repeatedly paid for this prescription, 
and it has made some marked cures. It is regarded as 
specific for farcy in the portion of Ohio in which I obtained 
it. In two instances, gentlemen who have used it in the 
treatment of farcy have informed me it cured, and ex- 
pressed themselves as valuing it worth ^50. 

The following is my regular treatment for this formidable 
disease : 

Three drams of powdered sulphate of copper, given every 
night in the food, until the animal refuses to eat. After a 
few days repeat, but if the case is bad give the medicine in 
water as a drench, for ten days, if he will not take it in his 
food, 

CONDITION PCWDEKS. 

Take i pound of ginger, i ounce of anise seed, pulver- 
ized, I ounce of fenugreek seed, 2 ounces of ginseng root, 
pulverized, i ounce of the seed of sumach berries, pulver- 
ized, I ounce of antimony; mix it with one pound of 



194 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT, 

brown sugar. This is excellent for coughs, colds, or to 
give a horse an appetite. 

TO CURE COUGH— 2IO. 2. EXCELLENT. 

Put all the tar into alcohol it will cut, and add one-third 
in quantity of tincture belladonna. Dose: From one to 
two teaspoonfuls once or twice a day. Very good. 

TO CURE COUGH— NO. 3. 

Take tartar emetic, i oz.; resin, 2 oz.; bloodroot, i oz.j 
salts of' tartar, 2 oz.; ginger, 2 oz. Mix, and give a tea- 
spoonful three times a day, in the feed. 

COUGH POWDER. 

Fenugreek, ginger, licorice and bloodroot, 'equal parts. 
Half proportion lobelia and camphor may be added. Dose, 
tablespoonful twice a day. For heaves, add more camphor. 

DIURETIC DROPS 

that are reliable for stoppage of water, foul water, or in- 
flammation of the kidneys, in all cases : 

Take of sweet spirits of nitre, 4 oz.; balsam copaiba, 
2 oz.; oil of juniper, 2 oz.; spirits of turpentine, 2 oz.; 
gum camphor, pulverized, i oz. Mix all together, and 
shake well, bottle, and it is fit for use for man or beast, 
under all cirumcstances where a diuretic is required. 

Dose : For a horse, i oz. in half a pint of milk once in 
six hours ; for a man, i teaspoonful in a tablespoonful of 
milk once in six hours. 

Be sure to shake the ingredients up well before turning 
out for use. 

THE PULSE. 

The beating, as it is termed, of the heart, and that of an 
artery, tells the exact condition of the circulation and of 
the health, to the experienced practitioner. 

In a state of health the pulse is from 36 to 40 in a min- 
ute. It will be felt easiest and best at the lower jaw, a 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 195 

little behind where the sub-maxiliary artery and vein come 
from the under jaw. Pass the finger down the jaw, up near 
the neck on the inner edge, and you will feel a cord-like 
ridge, and upon quietly but firmly pressing it you will feel 
it throb or beat. Each contraction of the heart forces a 
jet of blood through the arteries throughout the system. 
The arteries are strong elastic tubes, which expand as the 
blood is forced through them, but contract again as soon 
as the volume of blood passes, forming a beat which can 
be plainly felt under the finger at this point. It is highly 
important to understand the condition of the circulation 
to treat diseases, especially of an acute character, success- 
fully. 

Frequent reference is made to the state of the pulse in 
different diseases, such as colic, pneumonia, laminitis, &c., 
&c. Hence it should be studied carefully. For example, 
during the early stage of colic, the pulse will be hardly af- 
fected, and the ears and legs will be natural in tempera- 
ture ; while in inflammation of the bowels the pulse will be 
quick and wiry, ears and legs cold, &c. In fever it is 
quick, wiry and light, indicating the extreme or not of ob- 
struction in the circulation. 

BLEEDING. 

For general bleeding the jugular vein is selected. The 
horse is blindfolded, or his head turned away; the hair is 
smoothed along the course of the vein with a moistened 




Raising the Vein. 



196 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



finger, then with the third and little fingers of the left hand, 
which holds the fleam, pressure is made on the vein suffi- 
ciently to bring it into view, but not to swell it too much. 
The point to be selected is about two inches below the 




Bleeding from the Neck Vein. 



union of the jugular vein at the angle of the jaw. (See cut.) 
The fleam is put in a direct line with the vein at the center, 
when it is to be hit sharply with a stick. See 
that the fleam is large, sharp and clean, for if 
rusty or dull, inflammation of the vein might 
result. It is of great importance that the 
blood be drawn quickly. When sufficient 
blood has been taken, the edges of the wound 
should be brought closely together, and kept 
together by a small sharp pin being passed 
through them. Around this a little tow or a 
few hairs from the mane of the horse should 
be wrapped, so as to cover the whole of the 
incision, and the head of the horse should be 
tied up for several hours, to prevent his rub- 
bing the part against the manger. When the 
bleeding is to be repeated, if more than three 
or four hours have elapsed, it will be more 
prudent to make a fresh incision, rather than 
old woUnd. 




first 
stuck through 
the lips of the 
■wound ; a por- 
tion of tow, 
thread or hair 
is then wrap- 
ped round the 
pin. 

to open the 



VALUABLE MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS. 197 



PHYSICINa. 

It is always best, if possible, to prepare the horse for 
physic by giving a bran mash twenty-four hours previously, 
as the medicine will act more favorably and there is less 
danger of superpurgation. Five drams of aloes (Barbadoes 
aloes are always used for horses) will act as forcibly after a 
mash as seven without. Again, the quantity of physic should 
be adapted to age and size. The rule is to give one dram 
for each year up to seven. Eight drams is the largest given 
at one dose. 

Physic Ball: Barbadoes aloes, pulverized, 7 drams; bar 
soap, 4 drams; ginger, i dram. The usual way is to mix 
the ingredients in this proportion, then reduce to the weight 
intended and give. 

For Alterative Balls simply give from one to two or three 
ounces of mass, as above prepared, two or three times a 
week, for a week or two. 

For Worms: Give 4 drams aloes, i dram tartar emetic, 2 
drams ginger, about the size of a bean of calomel, and 
molasses enough to make into a ball. To be given every 
morning for three days. 



VALUABLE MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS. 

The following remedies will be found excellent: 

DRENCH FOR DIARRHOEA. 

Opium, I dram; prepared chalk, i oz.; compound pow- 
der of tragacanth, i oz.; mint water, i pint. 

MERCURIAI, ALTERATIVE BALLS. 

Calomel, ^ dram; aloes, i dram; castile soap, 2 drams; 
oil of juniper, 30 drops; syrup to form a ball. 

ASTRINGENT BALLS. 

Catechu, }^ ounce; alum, 3 drams; cascarilla, 2 drams; 
flour, 2 drams; treacle. 



200 VALUABLE MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS. 

Antimonial powder, 2 drams; nitre, 3 drams j cream 
tartar, 2 drams ; honey to form a ball. In influenza twice 
a day, after a mild laxative. 

BALLS FOR FARCY AND GLANDERS. 

Sulphate of copper, i dram; calomel, 20 grains; common 
turpentine, 3 drams; licorice powder and syrup to form a 
ball. 

Sulphate of iron, 2 drams; iodide of potassium, 10 gr.; 
gentian, 2 drams; ginger, i dram, and treacle to form a 
ball. 

COUGH BALLS. 

Emetic tartar, y^ dram; digitalis, ^ drami; nitre, i^ 
dram; tar enough to form a ball. One every night. 

Powdered squills, i dram; gum ammoniac, 3 drams; 
opium, ^ dram ; syrup to form a ball. 



FOR BLOODY URINE. 

Acetate of lead, 10 gr.; sulphate of zinc, 40 gr.; catechu, 
4 drams ; conserve of roses to form a ball. One daily. 

FOR DIABETES. 

Catechu, ^ oz.; alum, % dram; sugar of lead, 10 gr.; 
with conserve of roses to form a ball. 

ANODYNE DRENCHES. 

Opium, I dram, dissolved in warm water, ^ pint ; add 
I quart of starch gruel. 

Mix tincture of opium, i oz. with sweet spirits of nitre, 
^Yz oz.; ess. peppermint, i dram, and water, i pint. 



VALUABLE MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS. 201 

"WOBM POVP"DEIlS 

Sulphur, I oz.; tartar emetic, 4 drams; common salt, 
8 oz., liver of antimony, i oz. Mix for 6 doses; i daily, 
in wetted corn. 

TO CUKE AW INDOLENT ULCEB. 

Take the green scum that gathers on the water in the 
frog ponds in the spring and summer ; boil over a slow fire ; 
then add fresh butter to the consistence of an ointment. 
This is an Indian remedy; cured an ulcer of seventeen 
years' standing that had resisted all other treatment. 

The gentleman whom it cured deemed it so valuable, and 
desiring to benefit those that may be similarly afflicted, re- 
quested that I would put it in my book. 

For a lacerated wound and bruise, I have found the 
following so eff"ective a remedy that I insert it. It has a 
peculiarly soothing, healing effect. I once had one of my 
big toes crushed by a heavy horse stepping upon it ; under 
like circumstances, previously found even arnica or lauda- 
num to afford the desired relief; by pouring some of this 
on the part, wetting the stocking, in fifteen minutes I had 
no pain, and had no trouble afterwards : 

Simple tincture of marigold, called callendula, reduced 
one-third to one-half with soft water. Bathe the part re- 
peatedly with it. It possesses remarkable healing qualities. 

GRAIN FOUNDER-CURE OF. 

Take three pints of vinegar, into which put six red pep- 
per pods, and boil until reduced to one quart. When cool, 
give as a drench. Blanket the horse warmly. This will 
put the horse in a profuse perspiration, and perform a per- 
fect cure. The gentleman of whom I got this, cured a 
valuable horse that got into his granary and ate so much 
grain that he was in the morning perfectly stiff. One dose 
made a perfect cure. lie said he would not be without it 
for one hundred dollars. 
9* 



202 VALUABLE MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS. 

CONDITION PO^WDES. 

One-half pound grains paradise, ground; ^ K>. ground 
ginger; ^ lb. powdered gentian; 6 oz. cumin seed, ground; 
6 oz. fenugreek, ground; 6 oz. carbonate soda; 6 lbs. 
common brown sugar; i^ lbs. salt. Put in one hundred 
pounds of meal. Dose: one pint to be given with the 
usual food. 

This is considered one of the best tonic condition pow- 
ders ever used. It is sold in the eastern cities at a large 
price, under the name of Condition Food, and is held as a 
secret of great value. I have known ^50 to be refused for 
the receipt. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Adaptation of Horses for different uses ■ 37 

Appliances for Subjection gg 

Applying War Bridle 99 

Applying Bandage 156 

Absorbing Blister, Powerful 171 

Anodyne Linim'ent 187 

Astringent Balls 197 

Aromatic Powder 198 

Anodyne Ball 199 

Anodyne Drenches 200 

Bitting 48 

Bitting Harness 49 

Backing 53 

Breaking Horses 72 

Breaking Kickers 75 

Balking , 83 

Biting and Striking 92 

Breaking the Halter Puller 92 

Breeding 106 

Bonner's Plan of Feeding Dexter 116 

Bar Shoe for Corns 137 

Broken Wind 163 

Bone Spavin 168 

Blisters for Spavin, etc 170 

Blood Spavin 1 74 

Bog Spavin 174 

Bloody Urine 181 

Butter of Antimony 186 

Bleeding », 195 

Balls for Appetite 199 

Balls for Farcy and Glanders 200 

Conditions of Success 24 

Cause and Treatment of Fear 57 

Chilian and South American Methods 66 

Cure for Balking 84 

Cribbing 94 

Cure a Trotter of Breaking 104 

Cuts, Showing Formation of Foot 124 

Contraction of the Feet 132 



204 CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Convex Shoe for Contracted Feet 135 

Corns 136 and 179 

Certificate from Dr. William Somerville 143 

Colic 146 

Colic and Inflammation of Bowels Contrasted. 146 

Congestion of the Lungs 149 

Catarrh or Cold 155 

Cure for Heaves 164 

Cure for Roaring or Whistling 165 

Cure for Spavin and Ringbone 171 

Curbs 175 

Coffin Joint Lameness 175 

Cuts and Wounds 104 

Cooling Liniment for External Inflammation 185 

Cracked Heels 189 

Cure of Scratches 190 

Canker 191 

Caustics 192 

Condition Powders 193 and 202 

Cure of Farcy 193 

Cough Powder 194 

Cure for Cough, No. 2 and 3 194 

Cordial and Anodyne Ball. 198 

Cooling and Diuretic Drink 198 

Cough Balls 200 

Cure for Indolent Ulcers 201 

Cure of Grain Founder 201 

Disposition, Peculiarities and Extremes of 30 

Driving in Harness 50 

Double Driving ... 53 

Diseases and their Treatment 143 

Dr. Burton's Remedy for Colic 147 

Distemper 156 

Digestive Ointment 1S4 

Diuretic Drops 194 

Drench for Diarrhoea 197 

Drenches to Promote Parturition 19S 

Diuretic Alterative Balls 19S 

Diuretic Balls 199 

Educated Horses 5 

Education of Horses, New System of 10 

Excessive Fear must be Prevented 25 

Extreme Cases of Fear 57 

Excitement not Admissible 65 

Effect of Kindness 86 

Excessive Rasping Bad . , 130 

Eight-tailed Bandage 152 

Eye Wash, Excellent 1S3 

First Impressions are Strongest 26 

Fear, Causes and Treatment of 57 



CONTENTS. 205 

PAGE. 

Fear of a Robe 60 

Fear of Umbrella, or Sound of Gun 61 

Fear of Railroad Cars 61 

Fear of Objects while Driving 61 

Four Ring Bit 100 

Foot Strap 100 

Feeding 113 

Flatulent Colic 148 

For an Attack of Pleurisy. . . .■ 152 

Founder 161 

Favorite Remedies for Heaves 164 

Fistula of the Withers 166 

Firing 172 

Farcy, Cure of 193 

For Diabetes 198 and 200 

Fever Balls 199 

For Bloody Urine 200 

Getting Cast in Stall 95 

Grease Heels 153 

Grain Founder, Cure of 201 

Horses should be Educated, not Broken 26 

Horses should be Proved before Using 36 

Haltering the Colt 4§ 

Hitching the Colt 47 

Hitching to Wagon Poles 51 

Handling the Feet 55 

Hints for Watering , . 116 

Hints on Shoeing 127 

How to Nail a Shoe Properly 131 

Heaves 163 

Hoof Liniment for Contracted or Sore Feet 179 

Hip Lameness iSo 

Healing Ointment, for Cuts, Galls, etc 185 

How to Bleed a Horse 196 

Importance of Kindness 29 

Importance of Preventing Fear 35 

Impression upon the Brain 68 

Interfering 138 

Interfering Shoe 138 

Interfering Pad 139 

Inflammation of the Lungs 149 

Inflammation of the Bowels 157 

Inflammation of the Kidneys 158 

Inflammation of the Bladder • 160 

Inflammation of the Brain 160 

Inflammation of the Eyes 183 

Jumping over Fence 96 

Kindness, Importance of 29 

Kicking in Harness 75 

Kicking Straps 78 



206 CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Kicking while Harnessing 8i 

Kicking while Grooming 8i 

Kicking while Shoeing 8 1 

Kindness, Effect of 86 

Kicking while in the Stall 89 

Kicking against the Stall 98 

Kicking Cows 98 

Laminitis 161 

Locked Jaw, or Tetanus 165 

Lameness 177 

Liniment for Open Wounds 185 

Liniment for Foul Ulcers 185 

Liniment for Galled Shoulders or Back 186 

Liniment for Strains, etc 187 

Laxative Alterative Balls 198 

Moral bearing 43 

Mounting the Colt 54 

Must See Objects from Different Positions 63 

Mare 109 

Make Follow with Whip 118 

Mad Staggers 160 

Magic Liniment 187 

Magic Healing Preparation 188 

Mange 191 

Milder Caustics 193 

Miscellaneous Receipts 197 

Mercurial Alterative Balls 197 

Mixed Balls, Cordial Astringent Balls 199 

New System of Educating Horses , 10 

Notices of the Press and People 11 

Natural Adaptation Regarded 3S 

Not Being Afraid of Horses 39 

Nailing the Shoes 132 

Nasal Gleet 192 

Old Methods of Subjection 27 

Overdraw Check 80 

Oats vs. Corn for Feed 114 

Opening an Abscess I57 

Preface 3 

Prof Magner's Educated Horses 5 

Preliminary Hints 24 

Peculiarities and Extremes of Disposition 30 

Pole Applied for Balkers 88 

Pulling on the Halter 91 

Prevent Getting Cast in Stall 95 

Putting Tongue out of Mouth 95 

Prevent Jumping Fences 97 

Pawing in the Stall 98 

Pleurisy I49 

Poll Evil and Fistula of the Withers , 166 



CONTENTS. 207 

PAGE, 

Powder for Spavin and Ringbone 171 

Powerful Absorbing Blister 171 

Pricking in Shoeing 177 

Profuse staling 181 

Preparation to Kill Lice on Horses 192 

Pulse 194 

Physicing 197 

Quarter Crack 138 

Quitter 191 

Subjection, Old Methods of 27 

Subjection 65 

Sensitive and Flighty 70 

Stabling up 

Shoeing 123 

Structure of the Foot 124 

Shoes Made Concave 128 

Shoes Concave are Injurious " I33 

Shoes 140 

Spasmodic Colic 145 

Symptoms of Colic 146 

Symptoms of Pneumonia 151 

Symptoms of Inflammation of Bowels 157 

Strangles 156 

Staggers 160 

Sweeny 167 

Spavin 168 

Strong Blister for Spavins, Ringbone, etc 170 

Sweating Liniment for Windgalls, etc 170 

Sweating Blister for Curbs, Splints, etc 171 

Splints 1 74 

Sprain of the Back Sinews 175 

Shoulder Strains . . . ; 178 

Shoulder Lameness 178 

Stepping on Nails, Glass, etc 180 

Scours, or Purging iSi 

Spasmodic Action of the Diaphragm iSi 

Symptoms of Worms. 182 

Sprains and Bruises 186 

Sticking Plaster for Cuts, Wounds, etc 186 

Thoroughness Necessary 41 

The Wild Colt, Training 45 

Treatment of Fear 57 

Turning Around 73 

Test Kickers Repeatedly 76 

To Work a Balker Single 89 

The Jumper 97 

Treating a Halter Puller 92 

Training in the Trot 102 

Trotting 102 

To Force on the Trot 104 



208 CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

The Breeding Mare 109 

Teaching Tricks , 118 

Teaching to Follow 118 

To make Follow with Whip , 118 

Teaching to Lie Down 120 

Teaching to Sit Up 120 

Teaching to Make a Bow . . . , , . . . . 121 

Teaching to say Yes and No 121 

Teaching to Kiss You 121 

Teaching Horse to Dance 122 

Teaching Horse to Waltz 122 

The Foot = . 123 

The Hoofs, Cuts of 124 

Tyrrel's Patent Shoe for Contracted Feet 136 

Treatment for Corns 137 

Testing for Corn 137 

Tympanites 148 

Typhoid Pneumonia 151 

Treatment for Inflammation of the Kidneys . , 159 

Treatment for Founder 162 

Tetanus, or Locked Jaw 165 

Treatment for Bone Spavin 169 

Thoroughpin 1 74 

Treatment for Ringbone 176 

Thumps 181 

Tape Worms 182 

To Abate Swellings from Injuries .".... 1S7 

Thrush , iSS 

To Recruit a Horse Hide-bound, etc 189 

The Pulse .194 

Tonic Ball (Vegetable) 19S 

Tonic Diuretic Ball 199 

Using Blinders 62 

Valuable Miscellaneous Receipts 107 

Worst Horses &9 

War Bridle 99 

Watering 116 

Weak Heels i39 

Whistling, Cure of 165 

Worms 182 

Wash for Fresh Wounds 1S5 

Wash for Inflamed Wounds 1S6 

Worm Powders 201 



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